Montgomery County Community College focuses on student success, and faculty and staff work closely with students so they can attain their educational aspirations. Sometimes, however, students encounter personal challenges or hurdles that can act as roadblocks on their pathways to achievement.
Realizing that students need to overcome these concerns in order to succeed academically, the College launched a Student Support and Referral Team (SSRT) initiative this fall to help students who are at risk.
"We all have issues to address in our lives," said Michael Ondo, a counselor and financial aid advisor at the College’s West Campus in Pottstown. "Some issues are more encompassing than others. This program is a proactive measure that will guide students in the right direction."
SSRT, which is available at both campuses, involves a support team of advisors, faculty and staff. The team helps students who may be dealing with issues like emotional distress, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, abuse, depression, grief, potential violence and substance abuse.
If students recognize they have concerns, they can contact SSRT directly for help, either by sending an email to a secure, confidential address, StudentReferral@mc3.edu, or by visiting the Student Success Center.
"We respect the need for privacy, and all of the support will be done confidentially," Ondo said. "Students may know they have an issue or concern but may not know what they can do. Now, they can contact SSRT, and we can connect them to the service or help they need. It can be here with a counselor or with a community agency."
Faculty, staff, administrators and classmates can also refer students confidentially to SSRT.
"They may know something is happening with a student, but may not know what it is or how to address it," Ondo said. "They can contact SSRT and a case manager will contact the student, collect data to see if action is necessary and develop a plan, if needed. All of this is done privately and confidentially."
SSRT will encourage students to seek assistance, but it is up to the students to act upon the recommendations. SSRT members will follow-up with students and check on their progress.
"We have received good feedback from administration and faculty and hope students will be receptive to the program," he said.
Additionally, SSRT will present and coordinate educational support programs for the entire college community and establish liaisons with community agencies.
"SSRT is modeled after the Student Assistance Program (SAP) used in Pennsylvania high schools but has been adapted to meet the needs of adults," Ondo said.
Several members of the team, including Ondo, have former experience as middle and high school counselors and have firsthand knowledge and experience using SAP. They have been planning and developing SSRT for more than a year to meet the needs of the College’s ever-growing student population.
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by Diane VanDyke
