About Our Services
Office hours Counseling and Career Services
Monday - Thursday, 8 am – 6 pm
Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
Location for Counseling and Career Services
Academic Resources Office
Pope Student Center, Lower Level
Phone:706-272-4429
All currently enrolled students at Dalton State are eligible for free and confidential assistance through Counseling and Career Services. Our counselors work with students on managing personal, career, and educational concerns that may interfere with their academic progress. Counseling and Career Services staff consider the individual needs of each student, and we offer a variety of services to promote personal growth. These include:
- Academic Counseling
Educational achievement in college requires specific academic study skills. Many students come to college needing to strengthen or learn skills such as time management, note taking, reading textbooks, and test taking. Sometimes, the stress and pressure to succeed can interfere with performance on tests or classroom presentations. Our counselors are experienced in helping students identify their academic needs and can develop individualized plans to address areas of concern.
- Career Counseling
Some students know what they want to major in when they arrive at college; others are confused, uncertain, or reconsidering their academic major. Counseling and Career Services offers a variety of career inventories to help students learn about their interests, skills, and values. Counselors then use that information when working with students to explore options for careers and majors.
- Personal Counseling
Counseling and Career Services staff are appropriately trained and credentialed counselors. We provide individual counseling for all personal concerns. Our counselors are experienced in working with college students of all ages and backgrounds, and our services are conducted with an appreciation for diversity and respect for others.
- Consultation and Referral
Our counselors regularly consult with faculty, staff, parents, friends, and others who have concerns about students. While legal and ethical requirements prevent us from revealing information shared during counseling, we can discuss how we typically handle various situations. If you have concerns about your student, we will be happy to talk with you and suggest options. We also make referrals to off-campus providers when it would best serve the student's needs.
- Emergencies
If we are notified that a student is potentially at risk to self or others, a staff counselor will complete an emergency assessment. While we try to honor the student's wishes whenever possible, we will contact parents, guardians, or other family members regardless of the student's preference if we believe that doing so is necessary to prevent harm. If you believe that your student could benefit from counseling, encourage him or her to contact Counseling and Career Services in Academic Resources for assistance.
For after hours emergencies, contact the Dalton State Department of Public Safety
706-272-4461
Information for Parents, Spouses, and Significant Others
What the student may experience:
College will likely be a period of intellectual stimulation and growth, career exploration and development, increased autonomy, self-exploration and discovery, and social involvement. During this period, students may forge new identities or seek to clarify their values and beliefs. This may require an examination of self, friends, and family. It may also be a time for exploration and experimentation and a period in which he or she may question or challenge the values of their friends and family. It is important to recognize that each student will have his or her own unique college experience, and the challenges and adjustments mentioned here may, or may not, be part of that experience.
What parents may experience:
As parents, you may experience feelings of happiness, excitement, and pride for your child’s achievements. You may also feel a sense of sadness and pain and may worry about your child's safety and ability to care effectively for him or herself. You may fear losing your child as he or she begins to function more independently and form deep attachments with peers. You may be concerned about how your child will deal with alcohol, drugs, and sexual relationships. You may also wonder how your child's performance in college will reflect on you as a parent.
Remember that these feelings are normal. It is normal, too, to look forward to having your child out of the house and to experience a sense of freedom. Allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you have. A healthy approach is to talk about how you’re feeling with family, friends, or other sources of support.
Tips for supporting your child:
Keep your communication open and talk on a regular basis. Be an active listener and supporter. Work hard at understanding what your child tells you about his or her feelings or experiences.
Let your child know that you respect and support his or her right to make independent decisions.
Refrain from judging, evaluating, and criticizing even if your opinion was sought out.
Be realistic about your child's academic performance. Not every straight-A student in high school will be a straight-A student in college. Unrealistic expectations for academic performance can contribute to problematic stress. Help your children set realistic academic goals; encourage them to do their best and to seek assistance if needed.
Know the warning signs. Depression, substance abuse, anxiety, eating disorders, or suicidal thinking are some issues college students may face. Keep alert to signs of change, upset, or distress. If you notice symptoms of any of these issues, start a dialogue with your child and encourage him or her to seek professional help.
There are many resources available for Dalton State students who are having difficulties. For academic issues, talking with the professor or academic advisor would be your students' best first step, but Academic Resources/Counseling and Career Services is available to help. Just call 706-272-4429.