The LIGHT Center, T-90, College of the Redwoods (476-4290) - March 6, 2000

For several years a committee originally designed to assist "at risk" students has existed on campus here at CR. Diabasis (the bridge) began in response to the need to provide more coordination and creative service to students falling into specific risk categories. Typically, the students of concern to this committee tended to be those having problems coping with psychological, social, financial or academic issues. Often these students would go from one counselor to another, from one office to another, receiving either a duplication of service or a number of differing solutions to the problem. It was felt that a more consistent, cooperative approach would be a better use of staff time, as well as a better way to effectively serve the student in need. Thus the committee was established.

Over the years Diabasis has evolved. Some members have left while new ones have joined. At the present time though, the committee is alive and well and meeting on a regular basis. Currently there are nine members on the committee representing most areas of Student Services. There is representation from Housing, EOPS, Financial Aid, DSPS, Security, and Counseling. This forum allows the representatives from the various departments to meet, consult and cooperatively problem solve regarding students who have come to the attention of the committee. A given student may be referred to the committee by an instructor, counselor, or someone on the committee. A point is made to try to martial forces to provide a broad based support system for the student. There is typically one "case leader" for each student referred, usually the staff member having the most regular contact with the "at risk" student.

While this committee cannot solve the problems for all "at risk" students, it does allow staff to communicate. Often, other members of the committee are not aware that the student being considered is someone about whom many of the other committee members also have concerns. It also allows staff to consider "other" factors in the student’s life that may be contributing to their difficulty. In some cases for example, one committee member may be privy to the fact that a student is having significant family stress, while others who also have concerns about the student are unaware of the contributing factor affecting the student’s behavior or performance on campus.

Last semester Disabled Student Programs and Services circulated a survey asking for staff input on how to best serve students who may have psychological disorders. In many cases, these are the same students that come to the attention of the Diabasis committee. What became evident from the survey was that many staff feel they would like some training as to how to deal with students who are frustrated, angry or difficult. The Diabasis committee is hoping that we can begin to at least address the issue, and perhaps do some collective problem solving.

Diabasis will be sponsoring two brown bag lunches during college hour. We hope these will provide staff with updated information about the committee and its potential as a resouce, as well as some useful information about classroom management.

On March 9^th some of the Diabasis committee members will be doing a presentation for the Student Services Meeting. This presentation will address such issues as the current status of the committee, how we can support staff and students prior to having to resort to the "disciplinary route", as well as how to contact members and refer students.

On March 24^th there will be a brown bag lunch. There will be a guest panel consisting of faculty who have effectively used various classroom management techniques. This will be an opportunity to speak with some of the teaching faculty, share concerns and strategies. (Lakeview Room, 12:00-1:00 PM).

On April 14^th there will be a second brown bag lunch. The topic for this date is "Strategies for Dealing with a Difficult Student". It is intended to be suitable for all staff, whether teaching staff, clerical, or technical staff. There will be a panel of individuals to speak with and we are hoping to access some resources from the community to give a well-rounded perspective of approaches and strategies. (AD 107, 12:00-1:00 PM).

Comments? Questions? mailto:trish-blair@redwoods.edu

Dogs feel very strongly that they should always go with you in the car, in case the need should arise for them to bark violently at nothing right in your ear."
-- Dave Barry