Student Intervention Services
Supportive, Non-Judgmental, Goal-Oriented
The Student Intervention Specialist (SIS) does not provide direct crisis support to students. If you are a student in urgent need of support please click Need Help Now.
What is a Student Intervention Specialist (SIS)
A Student Intervention Specialist (SIS) takes a leadership role in building the University’s capacity to identify and support students who may be experiencing complex mental health concerns. The specialist serves as a resource and a role model in strengthening the capacity of all University employees to respond quickly and effectively to students who may be displaying disruptive behaviour or are experiencing mental health concerns.
The specialist develops, implements and oversees a series of initiatives designed to enhance resources for faculty, staff and students regarding mental health. This includes knowledge sharing of current research, relevant strategies and best practices. The specialist develops and presents educational events including workshops and presentations on topics related to mental health.
What Services Does SIS Provide to Students?
Student Intervention Services provides a supportive, non-judgmental, goal-oriented relationship with the student to collaboratively develop a service navigation plan while focusing on the student’s goals and individualized needs.
SIS collaboratively works to offer and maintain programs tailored for students including REAL TALK and NUlistens.
Student Intervention Services also provides training opportunities for students.
Case Management Support
Case Management Support is provided by the Student Intervention Specialist (the SIS), through Student Development and Services. The role of the SIS is to provide a supportive, non-judgmental, goal-oriented relationship with the student to collaboratively develop a plan while focusing on the student’s goals and individualized needs.
What can the Student Intervention Specialist provide?
This service is a referral based service only. It is primarily for students with mental health challenges or minor conduct issues that are having difficulties connecting with the right support services. Case Management Support may also be recommended for someone with short term situational challenges, requiring higher levels of support. (ie: returning to classes after admission to hospital.)
The SIS is able to:
- meet with the student to help understand their needs and determine attainable goals
- follow up on the established goals and any concerns that arise
- refer to support services (e.g., Academic Advising, mental health supports in your home town)
- consult with other professionals who work with you to coordinate a plan
- advocate for your needs
- assistance with transitions to and from University
- attend on or off-campus care planning meetings
- assist Faculty and Staff who may have questions on how to best support a student with mental health concerns
Case Management Support is a voluntary service, the SIS does not provide crisis support, counselling, therapy, tutoring, financial advising or academic advising.
Getting Connected:
A student can be referred to the SIS by any Staff and/or Faculty of Nipissing University, if they have a concern about a student’s wellbeing. This referral can be made with or without the student’s knowledge. The student would then be contacted to discuss next steps and a possible initial appointment with the SIS. Following this, a collaborative support plan would be develop on how to best meet their needs.
Initial Appointment:
During an initial appointment, the SIS will discuss the Consent to Participate, sign Confidentiality Agreements, ask about any other services you are currently involved with and find out what supports you are hoping to receive. You may choose to disclose what you feel comfortable sharing, however it is helpful to be as honest as possible with the SIS so that they can provide you with the right referrals and support.
Supportive Relationship:
The relationship with the SIS is intended to be goal-oriented, planning focused and collaborative while being student centered. The length of service is individualized it depends on your needs or concerns, and or availability of resources. The SIS may discuss with you if they feel Case Management Support is no longer required. This occurs if all appropriate referrals have been made and goals have been met or continue to be worked on with another provider.
NUlistens
NUlistens is an outreach and prevention program, delivered in partnership between Student Counselling Services and the Student Intervention Services. NUlistens is the umbrella brand for the mental health outreach and prevention on Nipissing Campus.
Campus Community: NUlistens works towards fostering a supportive campus culture by implementing passive awareness campaigns and provide access to vetted resources including the supporting students folder.
Students: NUlistens engages students in awareness of services and skill building events that are designed around campus needs. This includes initiatives such as REAL TALK.
REAL TALK
REAL TALK is an initiative developed by Nipissing University’s Student Counselling Services and Lakers athletics.
The Goal: Is to better integrate mental health awareness in our athletes lives while developing relationships between athletes and mental health professionals.
Point Person: Each Nipissing Lakers Varsity team will have a designated athlete as the REAL TALK point person for their team. This point person will be identified to their teammates who are encouraged to connect with them if they are struggling and need to discuss and connect available supports.
Coaches: All coaches will complete a comprehensive 2 day Mental Health First Aid - Adults who Interact with Youth Training. This prepares individuals to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or developing mental health concerns.
By developing relationships we hope to encourage a REAL and safe space that allows for deeper life conversations amongst athletes, coaches and trainers, and Student Counselling Services.
Workshops and Training
Student Counselling Services is pleased to offer trainings to students, staff, and community members regarding mental health. These trainings are informative and will build your competencies around mental health concerns. Participants from all programs below will receive a resource book of course content and an official certificate from the developer organization.
- safeTALK
- ASIST
- Small Talk
- Mental Health First Aid
- Looking Forward
- Inquiring Minds
Learn more about the workshops and training offered
*If you have a group of ten or more we can arrange a separate training date. Please e-mail us at counselling@nipissingu.ca.
What Services Does SIS Provide to Faculty and Staff?
Faculty and staff are able to receive training, information on professional development opportunities as well as access to resources through Student Intervention Services.
Student Retention Alert is managed by Student Intervention Services and the Student Success Coordinator. Allowing faculty and staff to voice concerns about students.
NUlistens is jointly run by SIS and Counselling Services providing development and support to NUlisteners.
NUlisteners
What is NUlistens:
NUlistens is a campus wide prevention and awareness program focused on student’s mental and emotional well-being. Our primary goals are to increase understanding of mental and emotional challenges that students may face during their time at University and to increase their knowledge about support services available.
Who is a NUlistener:
An NUlistener is a faculty or staff member who provides supportive non-judgmental listening to a student and will refer them to appropriate services if needed. All NUlisteners will be identified to students by an office sign and by a list on our website.
Listeners must attend a 1.5 hour in-person orientation session hosted by the NUlistens team. The session will review best practices for supporting a student in distress, where to refer for specific student needs, and what additional support/training is available for NUlisteners.
Training and PD
The NUlistens team is pleased to offer trainings to students, staff, and community members regarding mental health. These trainings are informative and will build your competencies around mental health concerns. Participants from all programs below will receive a resource book of course content and an official certificate from the developer organization.
- safeTALK
- ASIST
- Small Talk
- Mental Health First Aid
- Looking Forward
- The Inquiring Mind
Learn more about the training and PD offered
*If you have a group of ten or more we can arrange a separate training date. Please e-mail us at counselling@nipissingu.ca.