Expanding access to University Counseling Center resources
The University Counseling Center (UCC) continues to adapt and expand its services to meet the growing needs of students across various disciplines, with a focus on accessibility and streamlined support. Several updates have been made to the counseling resources available to students, particularly regarding session structures and embedded counselors.
Despite the challenges introduced by HB 261, leading to the closure of the Women’s Resource Center (WRC), the UCC has successfully integrated WRC counselors into its team, ensuring that no staff members lost their positions.
Previously, the WRC maintained its own counseling team, operating independently with separate records and services. However, following the center’s closure, WRC counselors have transitioned into the UCC, where they continue to provide critical mental health services. This integration increased the UCC’s capacity to support students, expanding the resources available while maintaining the specialized feminist and multicultural counseling services that were central to the WRC’s mission. Furthermore, the UCC remains committed to ethical standards and clinical excellence, unaffected by the legislative changes introduced by HB 261.
“We are grateful that our Women’s Resource Center counselors have become part of the UCC team, allowing them to continue their vital work even after the WRC's closure,” said Scott McAward, director of the UCC. “Their presence enhances our support network for students, ensuring continuity of care and access to specialized services.”
UCC has also worked diligently to embed counselors across various colleges, including the College of Law, College of Engineering, and College of Science, with plans to expand this model further. Embedded counselors are UCC staff members who are physically located within academic units to enhance student access to mental health services. While these counselors serve as a point of contact within specific disciplines, their primary role is to connect students to the broader services offered by the UCC.
The goal of embedding counselors is to bring UCC staff closer to where students are, increasing the visibility of mental health services. However, it is important to note that the embedded model alone cannot fully meet the needs of all students. Instead, it acts as a bridge to core services and encourages students to seek comprehensive support when necessary.
The embedded counselor program began rolling out before the pandemic, with the College of Law being the first to benefit from this initiative. This model continues to expand, with counselors embedded in additional locations, such as the new Center for Student Access and Resources (CSAR). “Embedding counselors is about more than just accessibility; it’s about creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help,” McAward explained. “By placing our counselors in these colleges, we aim to normalize mental health conversations and make it easier for students to connect with the resources they need.”
The UCC is also exploring how to integrate these services into Navigate U hubs, where counselors can offer workshops and other programming.