Referral Guide

Student Services

Many times during the academic year as you talk with your advisees, issues are raised which go beyond the usual topics of academic progress and course selection. At such times, it is helpful to listen thoughtfully to the concerns the student is expressing, perhaps ask open-ended questions to solicit as much relevant information as possible. Often, however, solutions lie outside your realm of responsibility and require a Dean of Students staff member to assist the student. Below are examples of concerns frequently expressed to advisors where a referral might be appropriate. We hope that this list will help you counter the common problem that a student’s dissatisfaction with Hiram College may go unnoticed by staff or faculty simply because we are not aware of it.

In a small school, with a small faculty and staff, parents, in particular, find it hard to believe that we were unable to resolve students’ problems because we were unaware of them. Recent retention research shows that caring faculty are one of the keys to an effective educational environment, a principle which Hiram College has applied from its founding. It is our hope that faculty and Dean of Students staff can work together to eliminate attrition that might occur due to unsolved problems and to help students resolve conflict in a way that encourages their academic and personal growth.

RESIDENCE LIFE - Liz Okuma, Assistant Dean and Director of Residence Life - Ext. 5950

In most cases, the floor RA or Resident Directors will be best able to resolve a residence hall problem. If additional assistance is needed, students could consult Liz Okuma.
Residence Life Professional Staff
Booth/Centennial: Nick Kelley- Ext. 5679;Quad: Kayla Coan - Ext. 5481; Hill: Jackie Haner- Ext. 5777

  • not getting along with roommate
  • hall too noisy for sleep and study

JUDICIAL MATTERS - Ed Frato-Sweeney, Coordinator of Citizen Education - ext. 5103

  • questions about the campus judicial process
  • concerns about a judicial case
  • to file an incident report

HEALTH ISSUES - Sherry Swanson, Director of College Health Services - Ext. 5418

  • health problems related to physical illness or stress
  • management of chronic health problems
  • injuries and accidents

SECURITY MATTERS - Jenn Allen, Coordinator of Campus Safety, Ext. 6107

    * questions about building security
    * issues about campus safety, lighting, or security
    * issues regarding transfer and/or commuter students

ACADEMIC DIFFICULTY - Frank Hemphill, Director of Academic Support Services Ext. 5235

  • need a tutor
  • unsure of regulations or policies on satisfactory academic progress
  • poor study skills or reading problems
  • unable to budget time effectively

CAREER CONCERNS - Kathryn Craig, Director of the Career Center, Ext. 5131

  • exploring careers
  • undecided about a major
  • what can you do with a major
  • helping to find internship opportunities
  • looking for a summer or full time job
  • resume writing/fine tuning
  • practice interviews

PERSONAL CONCERNS - Lynn Taylor, Director of Counseling and Associate Dean of Students - Ext. 5418

  • issues related to a disability
  • problems relating to others, feeling of loneliness or isolation
  • indecisiveness that paralyzes student
  • feeling overwhelmed by personal or family problems
  • expression of suicidal thoughts
  • behavior which could be related to alcohol or drug abuse
  • eating disorders
  • unusual thoughts expressed in papers or journals
  • lack of personal goals; questioning relevance of college

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT - LeAnn Starlin, Coordinator of Campus Involvement- Ext. 5182

  • nothing to do on campus; bored isolated
  • have interest but no outlet for them
  • see a campus need but do not know of a group to meet it
  • do not know how to get involved in activities
  • want to meet others with similar interests

CAMPUS LIFE - Eric Riedel, Dean of Students, Ext. 5240

  • concerns about New Student Institute
  • considering leaving Hiram College
  • gay/lesbian or bisexual student concerns
  • general campus life concerns
  • feeling of being treated unfairly or inappropriately by a college employee
  • have an unresolved conflict with another individual
  • issues regarding transfer and/or commuter students

DINING ISSUES - Gery Henkels, Director of Dining Service - Ext. 5190

  • complaints about food
  • special dietary needs
  • problems understanding financial aid awards

STUDENT FINANCIAL AID/STUDENT WORK - Andrea Wherry, Director of Student Financial Services - Ext. 5441

  • lack of adequate financial resources
  • concerns about campus employment
  • problems understanding financial aid awards

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SERVICES ISSUES - Taryn Hale, International Student Advisor-Ext.5388

  • international student concerns
  • homesickness
  • problems with the English language

ETHNIC DIVERISTY AFFAIRS - Detra West, Director of Ethnic Diversity Affairs Ext. 5237

  • feeling of isolation for minority students
  • interested in learning about or working with diversity issues

GRIEVANCE ISSUES - Kimbery Mick, Office- Ext. 5160

  • feeling that you have been physically or verbally abused by a faculty or staff member
  • questions about sexual harassment
  • to file a sexual harassment complaint against a faculty or staff member

(This process does not involve matters within the jurisdiction of the College Judicial System.)

ACADEMIC CONCERNS - Sandra Madar, Associate Dean of the College Ext. 5261

  • wanting to appeal a grade or decision made by a faculty member
  • feeling treated unfairly in a course by a faculty member

Additional Information