Who's Who Around ChathamU, Part 2
It takes a lot of “people power” to keep a university running smoothly—even a small community like ChathamU. And one of the best things about that small-school feel is knowing you can walk into an office (or send an email) and talk to a real person whose job is to help you! If you’re new around here (or just need a refresher), we’ve rounded up some of the departments and offices around campus that help keep things humming. Make sure you check out Part One, if you haven’t already!
We took this adorable picture from the Student Affairs Instagram page; follow them!
Location: Woodland Hall
Known For: Issuing student ID’s, planning fun events
“Student Affairs” is a broad umbrella term for the many functions this office performs, from issuing student IDs to making sure Title IX protocols are observed. It’s also home to Residence Life and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The mission of Student Affairs is to facilitate student development through programs and support services that increase self-awareness, encourage social responsibility, enhance cross-cultural understanding, develop leadership ability, promote a lifestyle of wellness, and help students make connections with others. Plus, they made the petting zoo happen during Orientation!
Location: Woodland Hall
Known for: Mental wellness check-ins
The Counseling Center provides ChathamU students with free professional mental health assessment, treatment, and referrals to help students gain the maximum benefit from their educational experience. Some of the most common issues that students come to the Counseling Center for include depression, anxiety, self-esteem, academic concerns, and relationship issues, but during COVID, everyone is under stress, so to safely provide care for all out student population, The Counseling Center is open for virtual appointments and some in-person appointments. They’re using HIPAA-compliant Zoom accounts for secure, confidential, and private teletherapy. The Counseling Center also makes referrals to Pittsburgh BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ affirming therapists, and encourage students to try the new peer-to-peer support platform TalkCampus, where peers and professionals are available 24/7.
Location: Woodland Hall
Known for: All things health and wellness
Though Health Services has always played an important role on campus, coordinating hospital and urgent care visits, vaccinations, and educational programs, with the COVID-19 pandemic in the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s especially important to get to know this office! This is where students can get tested for COVID-19 if they feel they have symptoms, and results are typically back within 15 minutes. There is no charge for a visit to Health Services, so make sure to stop by for any health need.
Watch this video to learn more about the Helpful Heroes who work in the OAAR!
Office of Academic Accessibility Resources (OAAR)
Location: JKM Library, 3rd floor
Known for: Judgement-free academic help
Are you inundated in school work and can’t figure out how to manage it all? Schedule an appointment with OAAR. Formerly known as The Pace Center (it’s a very Pittsburgh thing to identify places by what they used to be) this amazing resource provides everything from paper reviews (virtual options available!), tutoring, and academic accommodations for students with disabilities. Don’t wait until you’re already over your head, though— seek their help before you get totally overwhelmed, and they’ll be happy to work out a plan with you!
