The World Cultures Program recently held an event to educate students on the vast amount of services that are available to them on campus through their student fee.
Paying the $19 fee is mandatory when students register for classes.
A variety of benefits were mentioned in the presentation that took place on Sept. 3, including EOPS (Extended Opportunity Program and Services), Mental Health Counseling Center, the Veterans Support Network and the Students Health Services Clinic.
Abby Burd, a counselor at the Mental Health Counseling Center, spoke about how students can schedule appointments. You can schedule one online or by phone and attend as an individual or in couples or groups.
Everything is confidential and Burd emphasized that any issue is important whether it be small or large.
“Normal life is the number one reason why people come in,” said Burd.
She asked the audience if they knew of all the help they could take advantage of and only a handful of students raised their hands.
She mentioned that massage chairs and candy are available in the Mental Health Counseling Center to anyone who wants to stop by and relax.
“We’re not here to change you. We’re here to coach you on your personal goals,” said Burd.
Dotti Cordell, a nurse and director at the Student Health Services Clinic mentioned that physical exams, basic first aid, pregnancy tests and some lab tests are a few of the things you can get as a student.
The $19 student fee covers most but not all tests. For a small price you can also get immunizations, blood tests and other lab tests for as little as $30.
You qualify for these benefits as long as you are taking one class.
Donna Carter, who is a part of EOPS, started her presentation about applying for these benefits and how many people can qualify.
She also informed the audience that EOPS students are the first students who are able to register for classes each semester.
“We go above and beyond to supply anything you need to succeed,” said Carter. The EOPS program pays for your associated student card, book funds and other handy things you need for school.
The last spokesman, known as Alex, was from the Veterans Support Network. He strongly emphasized how important it is to treat student veterans with the utmost respect. It is not a good idea to question them about their time served in the military because they might still be coping with that delicate subject.
There are counseling and programs available for student veterans who are having a hard time progressing in school.
Free psychiatrists and lots of resources are also available to answer any questions.
“Just understanding them. They might have mental issues. You don’t want to highlight them,” Alex said.
Roughly around 100 people attended the event that garners interest from several different students in need of assistance.
For more information about the EOPS program, Veterans Support Network or anything else, please visit the City College’s website at www.sdcity.edu.
