Katie Harrison, senior staff counselor and outreach coordinator at the UM Counseling Center, will moderate the professional meeting in the Jackson Avenue Center. Photo by Thomas Graning/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
OXFORD, Miss. – A first-of-its-kind meeting focused on finding ways to provide more resources for students across Mississippi colleges and universities will take place June 14 at the University of Mississippi.
The meeting, hosted by the UM Counseling Center, will bring together college and university counseling center professionals from across the state to network and share best practices. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. in the UM Jackson Avenue Center.
While no pre-registration is required, space is limited and email confirmation of attendance is needed for planning purposes.
“We have reached out to all of the Mississippi college and university counseling centers and have a confirmation of more than 40 professionals from over 15 campuses participating so far,” said Katie Harrison, senior staff counselor and outreach coordinator.
“The goal of this meeting is to assemble and discuss possibilities of forming an organization within the state of Mississippi college and university counseling center staff. Purposes of such an organization would be support, continuity of care in the state, resources, collaboration and networking/referrals.”
Following a general open discussion, participants will spend time in two 45-minute roundtable discussions of various topics pertinent to administration and services provided at various centers. Harrison said she expects topics of discussion will include ethical issues, client flow, crisis services, outreach, training and assessment.
“This is the first-ever meeting of its kind,” Harrison said. “It is our hope at the UCC to establish a strong professional organization to assist in meeting the needs of the students not only at UM, but statewide.”
The goal is to bolster student services across Mississippi, said Brandi Hephner LaBanc, Ole Miss vice chancellor of student affairs and one of the featured speakers.
“This unprecedented gathering is particularly important as the mental health needs of all of our students remain top-of-mind,” she said. “I am confident that this effort will allow all of our staffs to collaborate to better support and serve students.”
For more information, contact Katie Harrison at 662-915-3784 or Harrison@olemiss.edu.