Extending Counseling Services for Students

Caitlin Weirick

Abstract
This proposal addresses the need for more counseling services available for students at
Christopher Newport University. Currently, CNU offers eight free individual counseling sessions
per semester for every enrolled student, but I propose an increase in the number of counseling
sessions from eight to fifteen. Mental health has become a great concern across colleges and
university as the number of mental health issues has become prevalent among college students.
By only offering eight sessions, students can be left with their problems unresolved. Increasing
the number of sessions will provide students at CNU with more opportunities resolve their issues
and work on their mental health which effects not only their emotions, but their academics and
campus involvement.

Table of Contents
Introduction

pg. 1

Background

pg. 1

Proposal Research

pg. 3

Timeline

pg. 3

Qualifications

pg. 3

Faculty involvement pg. 3

Works Cited

pg. 4

Introduction
College is a time of learning, making memories, and finding ones self, but it is also a time of
stress, anxiety, and depression. Many students encounter stress and/or anxiety on a daily basis
whether it is due to a final exam coming up, looking for a job, or have a fight with friends and
significant others. Although these pains can be talked about with fellow peers and friends,
sometimes additional services are needed. Colleges and Universities now have counseling
services available for students. These counseling centers offer free individual and group therapy
for any full time student as a great resource for students. Counseling can be a great and
sometimes lifesaving service for students, but for most colleges the number of individual
counseling sessions is limited. Specifically, at Christopher Newport University students are
allotted eight counseling sessions per semester while a full time student. Students may make
great progress with their issues, but can run out of sessions before the problem is fully resolved.
This leaves students to deal with the rest of their healing process on their own if they are not
referred or cannot afford outside help. I propose that Christopher Newport University provide at
least twelve sessions per semester in order for students to have more time to deal with their
psychological issues.
Background of College Counseling Services
In 2004 the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act (GLSMA) was created and passed to address the
mental and behavioral health needs of young people on college campuses. This act created three
programs: Campus Suicide Prevention, State/Tribal Youth Suicide Prevention, and the Technical
Assistance Center (American Psychological Association). This act was significant because it
acknowledges the growing mental health issues in college students. The high stress of academics
and depression caused by college specific circumstances is now seen as a major problem that
leads to major mental health issues and disorders. The National Survey of Counseling Center
Directors reported that 44% of their clients had severe psychological problems with depression,
anxiety, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders being the most common (American Psychological
Association). Counseling is a preventive measure provided on campuses in order to help students
deal with their struggles. According to the Journal of College Student Psychotherapy,
counseling services are an integral part of the educational mission of the institution and
provide clinical services to clients who experience stress due to academic, career, or personal
problems which may interfere with their ability to take full advantage of the education
opportunities (165). Not only does counseling benefit a students mental health, it also benefits
their learning and involvement at school. If a student is depressed or anxious they might
withdraw from activities or even stop going to class which results in poor academic achievement.
In addition, studies have shown that counseling services increase the retention rate of students,
especially for freshmen and transfers. These two types of students experience the most
adjustment in their lives and these adjustment difficulties can result in appetite disturbances,
feelings of worthlessness, concentration problems, depression, and suicidal thought (Lee, et al
305). These difficulties can discourage students from participating in the classroom and campus
life. College is full of changes and challenges where students frequently question their identity,
relationships, direction in life, and self-worth which results in inner turmoil (Lee, et al 305).
Many students have trouble discerning through these personal questions and need help. If
students do not receive the help they need to navigate this inner turmoil they may feel
hopelessness and drop out. A study revealed that students were more likely to leave school when

faced with these social and emotional difficulties (Lee, et al 306). This is where counseling
services can help school retention rate. Another study found that 75% of the students who
received counseling services came back whereas only 68% of the students in the general
population of the school did (Lee, et al 307). Counseling services contribute to many areas of
campus life, not only academics, but also retention on campus.

CNU Counseling Services

The Office of Health and Counseling Services facilitates students personal exploration to assist
them in being successful in their endeavors at CNU (CNU). The counseling services help
students develop the tools to deal with high stress levels, loneliness, anxiety or depression,
concerns about substance, academic difficulties, and other personal concerns. CNU states that
they realize that students need to have a safe and comfortable place to talk about their concerns,
a place where they can be understood and respected, but also encouraged and challenged. They
offer individual and group counseling for student, consultations, outreach programming and
crisis response.

Proposal Research
My plan is to increase the number of counseling sessions offered per semester at Christopher
Newport University from eight sessions to twelve because counseling is such a vital part of the
campus life and students well-being. A survey will be sent out for students to anonymously give
their opinions of CNUs counseling services and whether or not they would use the increased
allotted sessions. I anticipate the student body will appreciate more counseling sessions and will
benefit from a more long term service. I will then research different colleges and universities in
the state of Virginia and compare their counseling programs to CNUs. Lastly, I will research the
financial impact of CNUs counseling services on the Student Affairs budget and find out the
costs of individualize counseling. If the cost of increased counseling services is greater than the
budget given by Student Affairs then additional funding will be researched.
Timeline
The research for the proposal will be completed by June 1st. If passed, the extended counseling
services would be available for students starting in August for the 2015 Fall semester.
Qualifications of researcher
As a current CNU student that has taken advantage of the counseling services I believe students
need more time and more opportunities for counseling. From experience I know that it takes time
to open up and be comfortable in a counseling session. Also from experience I know that it feels
like to make a lot of progress, but then be left hanging without a full resolution due to running
out of sessions in one semester. In addition to being a student, I am currently enrolled in the
Master in Teaching program where I am learning the importance of mental health of students and
its effects on education. I understand the importance of mental health in students and that
students come to school with many problems from home life and personal life on top of
academic stresses. From teaching experiences I know that many students can benefit from having
counseling resources available to them.
Anticipated involvement of faculty member: Dean Hughes
As the head of the Student Affairs department I would like to gain your support on extending the
counseling session limit from eight sessions per semester to twelve sessions per semester. I ask
you to consider the importance of students mental health during such a dynamic and complex
part of a young person development. Student Affairs represents a complementary education
experience what works with orientation, student engagement, honor standards, and student
activities and in order for students to successfully in engage in all these other aspects of the
department they need an outlet to get the help they need mentally.

Works Cited
American Psychological Association. "The State of Mental Health on College Campuses: A
Growing Crisis." Education Government Relations Office. American
Psychological Association, n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2015.
"International Association Of Counseling Services: Standards For University And College
Counseling Services." Journal Of College Student Psychotherapy 25.2 (2011): 163-183.
Academic Search Complete. Web. 9 Apr. 2015.
Kingkade, Tyler. "Using College Mental Health Services Can Lead To Students Getting
Removed From Campus." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 14 Oct. 2014.
Web. 16 Apr. 2015.
Lee, Donghyuck, et al. "The Effects of College Counseling Services on Academic Performance
and Retention." Journal of College Student Development 50.3 (2009): 305-19. ProQuest.
Web. 14 Apr. 2015.