Information for Injured Students

When confronted with a serious injury which interferes with academic life, it is important that students communicate directly with campus resources which can help. The professionals at the Office of Victim Assistance can work with injured students and their families to do an assessment of the injured student’s needs, and to work out the development of a plan which can address those needs. We are staffed by counselors who are familiar with the resources at CU-Boulder campus and in the Boulder community. We are also familiar with the kinds of issues and needs that serious injuries often present.  We can talk with you about your situation, assess your needs (academic, physical and emotional), and work in collaboration with other on- and off-campus resources in helping to address those needs. College success assumes high energy levels, ongoing productivity, and sustained effort. A serious injury can interfere with a student’s ability to attend classes and to fully participate in the rigors of academic life. This extra set of challenges can often disadvantage the injured student in the academic environment in which they live.

Because each situation is unique, OVA staff will help create an individualized plan for your recovery strategies. The decision regarding whether or not to stay in school after a serious injury is difficult and complex. Factors which need to be considered include the nature of your injury, the timing within the academic semester, your current academic performance, the extent of physical and emotional difficulties, and recommendations from “experts” on your condition and its impact on your academic performance.

Listed below are some questions, intended as a checklist, which may be helpful to you if you find yourself in a situation where serious injury interferes with your academic performance.