NEIU A to ZFaculty & Staff DirectoryLibraryEmployment OpportunitiesGetting To NEIU
 

SERVICES FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

While the primary mission of Northeastern's Counseling Office is to serve the needs of students, some counseling services are provided to member of our faculty and staff. The nature and extent of these services varies, depending on whether the focus is career or psychological.

Helping students deal with the aftermath of the NIU tragedy
In the aftermath of the tragic events at NIU, we all need to be mindful of our own reactions and those of the people around us. Many of us--and many of our students--have questions and concerns about our own safety and the safety of our workplaces and classrooms. Your students may have already begun talking about this in class. And even if they haven't addressed these issues openly, we can assume that many are worried about them privately. The way you respond to your students can go a long way toward helping them process these difficult events and move forward with their lives. Some tips to keep in mind are:

  • People need to talk at times like these; talking with others about difficult feelings helps students connect with one another and personal connection is a protective factor in sustaining emotional health. Take time to talk as a group... this may mean time in class talking about what happened at NIU and how your students are coping.

  • It is normal for people to search for explanations, even when none are obvious or forthcoming. Respect each person's own way of dealing with loss--there isn't a single path. As students grapple with this, remember that we don't make meaning for our students, but by creating a space for them to wrestle with troubling issues, we help them make meaning for themselves.

  • Expect a variety of reactions... from anxiety and doubt to deepening grief and depression. If you sense that some of your students may not be reacting in healthy ways, broach the subject with them... and refer them to the Counseling Office. You can contact the Counseling Office at ext. 4650 or in room D-024.

Quick Links:

Need to refer a student to the Counseling Office? If you are a faculty or staff member wishing to refer a student for counseling, click here for the Counseling Office's Referral Guide.

Talkling with a student who expresses suicidal thoughts? Click here for information and tips on suicide and how to talk with somebody who might be struggling with such feelings.

For information about the Employee Assistance Program, visit Magellan Behavioral Health, call them directly at (866) 659-3848, or contact Human Resources at ext. 5202 for more information.

Psychological Counseling

There may be times when employees wish to consult with a counselor about personal or relationship concerns, an immediate crisis, or a variety of other life difficulties. The Counseling Office can help connect employees with Northeastern's Employee Assistance Program, their health insurance resources, or other practitioners in the community. Additionally, members of the faculty and staff are also eligible to attend the Counseling Office's own groups and workshops at any time. And of course, counselors are always available to help faculty or staff members understand the psychological aspects of their work with students. Call us at ext. 4650 to explore any of these options.

Career Counseling

Career Counseling is available to all faculty and staff members. You can work with a career counselor to define your values, interests and skills and then add information from career resources to identify educational and career choices. Considering a career change is a process that can be enhanced by enlisting professional help. Check out our Career Counseling web page to learn more, or call ext. 4650 for an appointment.