Campus resources: CAPS and beyond

College is hard. There are so many factors impacting students on a regular basis, causing a rollercoaster of emotions. Stress from classes, issues back home, conflict with friends and the panic of looking into an uncertain future are just a few challenges Hope students may face in their daily lives. Luckily, Hope provides resources that attempt to walk with students through these difficulties and help each person reach success. One very popular resource provided by Hope is the office of Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS. Any student can make an appointment with one of CAPS’ counselors to talk through what they are experiencing, or students can take part in a group session led by a counselor with other Hope students.

While this office is a great resource for students managing their own mental health, there are many offices and staff throughout campus that are here to help students with issues such as deciding a major, academic struggles, roommate bickering, panicking about a future career, etc. These resources are a great place to go before CAPS, as a way to save the counselors for seasons of life when mental health is the root of the issue. That’s what they are certified to help you with. For an undeclared major or uncertain future, students can look to the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. This office has a staff ready to meet with students and examine each person’s strengths in pursuit of a fulfilling, wellfitting future. Students usually begin by participating in a group appointment with a staff member and other Hope students and then can make an individual appointment as they narrow their search.

Not only does it help students decide on an academic track, the Boerigter can also help upperclassmen with their job search in preparation for life after graduation. The center holds internship fairs to make connections, it can help you practice and perfect your interview skills and will even help you make a reputable resume. These resources are designed to lower students’ stress when it comes to their academic and working future. Some of the most common pains encountered by students can be found in the social arena; it’s incredibly common for college kids to find themselves in a fight with a roommate, endure loneliness or just feel homesick. All of these realities—unless they approach the extreme, requiring the help of a professional—can be helped by multiple different sources.

Each residence hall is equipped with many resident assistants. Their job is to support and walk with students through their college career and all of the experiences that come along the way. Anytime a student feels like they need someone to vent to, someone to eat dinner with or someone to help simmer down a conflict, there’s an RA. Above the resident assistants is another resource: the resident director. This staff member is highly qualified and always there to help a student out. In addition to Residence Assistants and directors, professors at Hope are a group few think to contact about personal issues. This is a huge overlook; Hope’s professors care deeply about each of their students. If you are struggling academically, socially, etc., make an appointment with your favorite professor. Use that time to get to know your professor and build a relationship with them.

It’s always a great idea to have a mentor in college who is involved and accessible. While college introduces a number of pains and struggles for young adults navigating this tumultuous stage of life, Hope is aware and wants to offer help. Students here have many different places on campus they can go for help, CAPS being only one of the many outlets that students can make use of at Hope.