Q: The University is so big, and you have so many services! When students have questions, how do they figure out whether to talk with an adviser, a counselor, a health professional, or someone else?

A: One of the benefits of attending a large university is that we have a virtual smorgasbord of services and assistance. You’re right: the challenge is which service to contact when a problem or question arises. The most important thing, though, is for your student to start by talking to someone. Here’s a quick guide to University resources:

Residence hall staff—Community advisers (CAs) are the front line staff, but the residence hall director is also available to any student. Students should feel comfortable asking their CA for guidance to any question. CAs may not have the answer, but they can direct students to the appropriate source. If a CA is not responsive, students should talk to the hall director. Each hall also has a peer health advocate, a computer support person, and peer tutors in a variety of academic areas. The CA or hall director can put your student in touch with these services.

Commuter assistants—For first-year students who live off campus, commuter assistants can provide all the guidance and direction that residence hall CAs offer. Commuter assistants can be reached at 612-625-4668.

Counselors—University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) provides professional counseling services as well as assessment and support for academic, career, and personal problem solving. Students who are thinking of changing majors, who are feeling overwhelmed by their academic schedule, or who have personal problems will find help here. UCCS offers credit and non-credit classes to support student learning. Check the UCCS Web site at <www.ucs.umn.edu> or call 612-624-3323.

Academic advisers—Academic advisers are critical to students’ academic planning. Students should check with their adviser when they are preparing to register, when they are considering careers, and when they have questions about their instructors or their academic program. Your student can check with his or her college advising office to talk with an academic adviser.

There are many other resources on campus as well. Department offices and college offices can offer suggestions on tutors, career planning, involvement opportunities within the colleges, and concerns regarding specific classes.

Boynton Health Service provides professional medical, psychological, and health management services. The Campus Involvement Center can help students get involved with groups and organizations around campus, another key way to make connections at the University.

As a general rule of thumb, residence hall CAs or commuter assistants are a good starting point for first-year students to find assistance for whatever issues come up. For upperclass students, academic advisers are a reliable source for referrals and guidance. But never be shy about contacting any of the offices listed here for more specific information. If we can’t help you, we can refer you to someone who can. Campus professionals work in conjunction with the peer support system, and we are happy to respond to your son’s or daughter’s questions.