We proudly provide affirming services by welcoming every student’s identity and creating an accepting environment. Examples include:
Identity-based support groups
Affinity spaces and resources honoring intersectionality
- Balance for graduate students of color
- Prism for LGBTQ students of color
- Let's Connect Now (BIPOC students):
The Counseling Center is offering a drop-in space to provide support for BIPOC students. This is not a therapy space, but rather a chance for students to have an informal one-on-one conversation with a counselor who shares this identity. Students can expect to speak with a counselor for about 20 minutes. Since this is not a scheduled appointment, students should be aware that there may be a brief wait before speaking with the counselor. After-hours support is available by calling 410-617-5530. Information about additional counseling services can be shared, if needed, during the drop-in session. Join us on Zoom Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-4pm EST beginning 10/13.
- Let's Connect Now (LGBTQ+ Students):
The Counseling Center is offering a drop-in space to provide support for LGBTQ+ students. This is not a therapy space, but rather a chance for students to have an informal one-on-one conversation with a counselor who identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. The Zoom link is available on our website. Students can expect to speak with a counselor for about 20 minutes. Since this is not a scheduled appointment, students should be aware that there may be a brief wait before speaking with the counselor, if they have already begun meeting with another student during the drop-in time. Students needing to speak with a counselor urgently should call the Counseling Center at 410-617-2273. After-hours support is available by calling 410-617-5530. Information about additional counseling services can be shared, if needed, during the drop-in session. Join us on Zoom Wednesdays from 2-3pm EST beginning 10/14.
Culturally inclusive language and communication
- Use of gender pronouns and preferred names for students as well as staff
- Staff names and pronouns listed on office doors
- Open-ended options regarding identity on intake paperwork
Accessibility
- Paperwork
- Reformatting and accessibility of forms
- Use of iPads
- Braille Signage
Ongoing evaluation of treatment
- Regular survey assessment of students’ experiences with their counselor
- The staff works regularly to improve services to all students by:
- Meeting weekly to explore cultural aspects that affect specific student experiences
- Assessing how we are serving underrepresented populations on campus and discussing social justice issues that impact their mental health in an active internal Social Justice Committee
- Conducting and publishing multicultural research, collecting data on counseling outcomes, and assisting with campus-wide climate survey evaluation
- Continuing in Professional Development activities focused on increasing cultural humility, knowledge, and self-awareness