Tips for Effective Referrals
The first step in making effective referrals is to remain attentive with students and listen to any clues that may imply the need for a specific resource. For example, poor grades may be a sign of insufficient time management or study skills, but it could also result from financial insecurity. Depending on if the student needs a resource that involves the advisor submitting an alert or if it is simply a resource the student can be directed to, see the following tips on how to efficiently refer them.
- Let students know that you are submitting an alert or referral on their behalf and that someone from the partner office should reach out to them to schedule an appointment. Encourage students to take advantage of offered resources.
- When possible, provide a description of where students will go to obtain support.
“Your SI session will be on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Cooper Library. When you walk into the library, either go up the stairs to your left or take the elevator up to the mezzanine level. When you get upstairs walk to the end of the hallway and check in at the large desk in front of the Student Success Center. Whoever is working the desk will let you know which tables your session is at. Your session will be facilitated by a peer leader who has taken your class already, is going through it with you again, and has undergone training in planning and leading interactive group learning sessions.” - Facilitate connections between students and resources, but remember that it is the student’s responsibility to follow through.
- Document referrals in Navigate.
- Follow-up with students on their utilization of the resource you referred them to.
- With resources that do not include a referral for the advisor to submit, they can simply direct a student to that partner office's website.
- When possible, be clear with a student where applicable information can be found or
provide a description on how the resource can be utilized.For example, an advisor
could include the Garnet Gate website link in their post-appointment email to a student
followed by a quick description on how to use it.
"When you follow this link, it will take you to Garnet Gate. This is a one-stop shop for how and where to get involved on campus. You can utilize the search bar on the home page to search groups and organizations based on your interests. Once you have found an organization that you are interested in, visit the website they have provided and/or reach out via the contact information provided. This is how you will be able to find out how to get involved!" - In some of these cases, it may make sense to help facilitate connections between students and campus partners in these offices. But again, remember that it is the student’s responsibility to follow through.
- Document referrals in Navigate.
- Follow-up with students on their utilization of the resource you referred them to.
To make effective and efficient referrals, academic advisors must know the resources available to students. Please familiarize yourself with the following resources and explore their websites for a more detailed explanation of the services they provide.
| Category | Office/Team | Reason for Referral | How to connect a student to resource | Office Website | Keywords (hidden column) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellness | Interpersonal Violence |
To report interpersonal violence (sexual assault, dating or relationship violence,
or stalking)
|
Submit a report form found on the Interpersonal Violence homepage.
|
tag 1, tag2 | |
| Academic Support | Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) | To refer a student who might benefit from accommodations | Submit a SDRC Referral Form | SDRC Website | |
| Wellness | Hazing |
Hazing can be reported on this form or by calling the anonymous hazing hotline at 803-777-5800 |
Submit a Hazing Report Form | ||
| Wellness | Student Care and Outreach Team (Care Team) |
If you are ever concerned about someone's health, well-being, or safety, submit a referral. In the event of an emergency, contact USCPD at 803-777-4215 or call 911. |
Submit a Care Team Referral Form | ||
| Other Student Support | Student Success Center |
To connect a student with financial literacy resources. |
|||
| Academic Support | Student Success Center |
To connect a student with course-specific support (tutoring and Supplemental Instruction), study strategies, time management, or peer writing. |
Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate |
||
| Wellness | Office of Civil Rights & Title IX/Office of Access and Opportunity |
To report an incident of bias or hate. |
|||
| Wellness | Substance Abuse Prevention and Education (SAPE) |
To connect a student with resources for substance use. |
|||
| Other Student Support; Experiential Learning | Career Center |
To connect a student with resources for career exploration/career coaching. |
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| Other Student Support | Financial Aid |
To connect a student who would benefit from financial services or guidance. |
|||
| Wellness; Academic Support | Hardship Withdrawal |
If a mental health, medical, or personal crisis prevented academic success during a past semester or the Withdrawal Fail (WF) period of a current semester, students may be interested in petitioning for a hardship withdrawal. |
|||
| Academic Support | Withdrawal | To submit a student who withdrawing/leaving USC. |
|
||
| Academic Support | Office of Student Advocacy | To connect students to resources about requesting an excused class absence or receiving help with another concern. |
Students can utilize the various forms on the Student Ombuds website. |
||
| Student Engagement | Garnet Gate | To connect a student with resources about how and where to get involved on campus. |
Direct students to Garnet Gate website. |
||
| Other Student Support | Student Employment/Handshake | To connect a student who is interested in student employment. |
Direct students to office website/s. |
||
| Academic Support | Office of Pre-Professional & Graduate Advising | To refer a student who is on the pre-med, pre-health, and pre-law tracks, as well as, students going onto other graduate schools. |
Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate
|
||
| Experiential Learning | Education Abroad | Students can utilize this form/contact information if they are interested in studying abroad and want to begin the process. |
Direct students to Education Abroad website. |
||
| Experiential Learning | Undergraduate Research | To connect a student to resources on how to start the undergraduate research process. |
Direct students to Undergraduate Research website. |
||
| Academic Support | Writing Center | To connect a student who is seeking help in their English or general writing assignments. |
Students can make an appointment on the Writing Center website. |
||
| Other Student Support | Veterans and Military Services | To connect veteran/military students to applicable resources. |
Direct students to Veterans and Military Services website. |
||
| Wellness | Counseling & Psychiatry | To connect a student to therapy and emotional wellness services. |
Students can get in contact and make appointments on the Counseling & Psychiatry website. Call 803-777-5223 if concerned about a student and need guidance on appropriate next steps. |
||
| Other Student Support | Office of Multicultural Student Affairs | To connect a student to affinity group resources. |
Direct students to Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website. |
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| Wellness; Other Student Support | Gamecock CommUnity Shop | To address basic needs and provide free food, clothing and supplies. |
Direct students to website or submit a Basic Needs Referral. |
||
| Academic Support | Exploratory Advising | To assist students interested in changing their major at USC. |
Direct students to website to schedule an appointment or submit an alert via EAB Navigate. |
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| Academic Support | Academic Coaching | To provide individualized support and guidance for undergraduate students who are in a state of exploration and/or are academically at-risk. |
Direct students to contact the University Advising Center or submit an alert via EAB Navigate. |
For information and resources to help students with registration concerns, see the Registration Help page on the UAC website!