Supporting a Survivor
Dear Faculty Relations: I received a letter from the Office of Victim Assistance saying that my student has recently experienced a traumatic event. I want to be helpful but not intrusive. Can you help? —Teachable
Dear Teachable: Thank you for taking an interest in your student’s well-being. Your concern is an important part of the care that helps our students to succeed.
Are you wondering why you received this letter? The Office of Victim Assistance (OVA) offers free counseling and advocacy for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced a traumatic event. In their academic lives, students who have experienced a traumatic event often have trouble with attendance, difficulty concentrating, and meeting deadlines.
This letter means that your student has met with an OVA advocate counselor and has requested assistance approaching you to ask for help meeting the requirements for your class. We always let students know that it is your decision what options for support can be provided. At the same time, we request your understanding and flexibility with any difficulties the student may be having.
You might also be wondering why our letter is vague. We’re working to protect the privacy of your student. Please remember that you’re a teacher in this relationship, not a trained therapist. Students don’t need you to inquire about what happened. What they need is your help to succeed in your course.
Lastly, I want to note that your student’s behavior won’t necessarily align with your expectations. One student’s behavior and healing journey often looks really different from that of the next. The healing process doesn’t mesh perfectly with the academic calendar, so consider reflecting on your expectations and giving your student some patience. Survivors heal in different ways.
Curious to learn more? Our office is happy to visit your unit and talk through our services and practices. We also now offer our Supporting Survivors training as a Percipio Course.
Above all, Teachable, thank you for supporting our students and helping them achieve their academic goals.
Written by Elizabeth Wilmer, MS, LPC, Senior Associate Director, Office of Victim Assistance