A message from Dr. Dan Jones

Faculty, staff and students:

Unfortunately, distressing or traumatic events occur on college campuses. These events often leave many students, faculty, staff, and members of the college or university community traumatized, worried or distressed. When this happens, providing some time in a class setting for emotional debriefing can significantly aid and accelerate the healing process. Counseling Center links are offered below for faculty on how to help and refer distressed students. Faculty and staff can be very helpful in identifying those most troubled by this incident that might benefit from counseling services. Counseling center staff is available to consult with faculty and staff on how to talk about these issues. Counseling services are also provided for faculty and staff. There are additional resources for the campus community below:

Where to Seek Help

The Counseling and Psychological Services Center serves Appalachian students and Counseling For Faculty and Staff serves university employees.

Students should contact:

• Counseling and Psychological Services Center
  Miles Annas Building
  828-262-3180
  http://counseling.appstate.edu

Faculty and Staff should contact:

• Counseling For Faculty and Staff
  University Hall, First Floor
  828-262-4951
  http://cfs.appstate.edu

Information for faculty and staff on helping students may be found on the Counseling Center Web page at: http://counseling.appstate.edu/pagesmith/146

Information on referring students to the Counseling Center may be found on the Counseling Center Web page at: http://counseling.appstate.edu/index.php?module=pagesmith&id=58

It is helpful to know that our feelings including numbness or fear are normal reactions to an abnormal event and to keep in mind that people deal with such situations differently--there is no one "right way" to respond. Allow folks to talk or not. Let's honor the voices of all by keeping the discussion open and respectful. It is probably best to downplay rumors and tolerate the unknowns of this ambiguous loss making sure that information is clear and accurate. Reacting to sensationalized rumors without solid information can actually make things worse. Limit yourself to public facts as new information arrives.

Let's provide well wishes for Anna and her family and loved ones. Let's all Appalachian faculty, staff and students support and take care of each other during this trying time. The safety and well-being of members of the campus and community is paramount.

Dan L. Jones, Ph.D., ABPP
Director and Chief Psychologist
Past President, Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors
Counseling & Psychological Services Center
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC 28608
Telephone: (828)262-3180
Fax: (828)262-3182
jonesdl@appstate.edu