Counselling Services

Resources for faculty and staff

If you are concerned about a student, and would like to connect a student to immediate support, please call Student Services reception or your Campus Admin Office (see below for contact information).  They can help the student either connect with an OC counsellor, or in the absence of a counsellor, can connect the student with a trained volunteer to provide support and referral information. 

Student Services and Campus Admin offices are open between 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Friday.

If this is an emergency, contact OC Security at 250-317-2435 or call 911.

View student in distress quick reference guide below or download the supporting students in distress pdf.

Three students studying as a group in the cafeteria on the Kelowna campus

Student in distress quick reference guide

When you observe signs indicating a student is in distress, you can assist by engaging with that student, providing information and offering to connect them with support services.

In most cases, when seeking advice it is not necessary to provide identifying information about the student. However, when there are concerns for immediate safety or a threat of harm to self or others, report immediately.

Common signs of distress

  • Noticeable changes in academic performance - e.g. missing classes, assignments done poorly or handed in late, decrease in participation in class activities, confusing written assignments
  • Noticeable changes in appearance or behaviour - e.g. poor hygiene; confusion; emotional upset; agitation; verbal disruption; social isolation
  • Signs of excessive alcohol or drug use
  • Concerning communications - e.g. written (emails, texts, assignments) or verbal indications of confusion, high levels of stress, conflict, aggression, loneliness, hopelessness, depression, etc
  • Expressed thoughts or feelings indicating potential harm to self or others - e.g. written or verbal references to suicide; intention or threats to harm self or others; language indicating deep confusion, desperation or isolation; expressions of imminent violence

Assisting a student in distress

  • Calmly approach the student in a safe, discreet setting. Share your concerns for his or her well-being.
  • Listen openly. Acknowledge the student's thoughts and feelings with compassion. Clarify with the student what you thought you heard.
  • Remind the student that there are helpful services available (e.g. Counselling). Offer to connect the student with the appropriate service via the Student Services Administration Office (KLO) or your Campus Administration Office.
  • After offering support to the student, feel free to debrief with a colleague, chair, supervisor or Counselling Services on your interaction. Also, it's good practice to keep a record of your concerns.

If a student says "no" to a referral

  • If it's not an emergency, respect the student's right to decline.
  • Offer the services and trust you've planted the seed.
  • Say something like: "I respect your decision. I hope you'll keep these options in mind. Support is available when you're ready."

Urgent after-hours community services

  • Suicide Crisis Helpline -text or call 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada
  • Crisis/Suicide Line 1-888-353-2273
  • 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-784-2433
  • Here2Talk.ca 1-877-857-3397
  • Campus Security 250-317-2435
  • Emergency Services 9-1-1

Useful information

Student well-being

Everyone has a part to play in supporting student well-being. You don't need to take on the role of counsellor, but you can connect students with additional supports.

Remember 

Pay attention. Take note of any warning signs or unusual behaviour.

Say something 

An active response is better than staying silent. It's okay to share your concerns with a colleague, supervisor or Counselling Services.

Make a referral

Offer to connect the student with Student Services.

Employee support

As an employee, assisting a student in distress can have an effect on your own well-being. Don’t shoulder this concern alone.

Debrief with a colleague, supervisor or chair or take advantage of the Employee and Family Assistance Program for confidential counselling and other services. Visit Okanagan College Human Resources for more information.

In Class Presentations Facilitated by OC Counsellors

In-class presentations or workshops are a great way for counsellors to build a connection with your students. These are the most common formats and topics, but we’re open to your ideas/suggestions! We would be happy to visit your classroom in person or via videoconference.

  • 5-10 minute classroom visit with a brief intro to counselling services, normalizing the stress of being a student and encouragement to prioritize overall wellness as part of academic success.
  • 30 or 50 minute presentation/workshop. Some past workshops have included: study skills, time management, surviving the stress of being a student, mindfulness, self-compassion, and managing transitions. If there’s another topic that you would be interested in, please let us know.
  • If a critical incident occurs in your class or to one of your students, please know that we are available to provide support to the group (in the form of a classroom discussion or presentation) and of course also individually to students.

Offerings will vary depending on the campus, time of semester, and counsellor availability.

If you would like one of us to visit your class, please contact the counsellor at your campus to discuss further.  For Kelowna campus requests, please email: counselling@okanagan.bc.ca 

In addition to in-class presentations, we offer a range of services for registered students.  To learn more about our individual and group supports, outreach, and resources, please visit the OC Counselling Services website.

 

Workshop and Guest Lecture Topics

This is a list of workshop and guest lecture topics that have been developed by Counselling Services and the campuses on which they are currently offered. If there is a topic that you don't see on this list, or that's not currently offered on your campus, please let us know. With advance notice, we may be able to accommodate your request.

If you would like one of us to lead a guest lecture for your class, please contact the counsellor at your campus to discuss further.  For Kelowna campus requests, please email: counselling@okanagan.bc.ca 

Workshop/Guest Lecture Topic 

Audience 

Campus where currently offered 

Additional Notes 

Developing a Professional Identity 

OC Class presentation, also coop, workplace, health care settings 

Vernon 

Navigating workplace expectations, professional communication, developing your career 

Exploring Mindfulness 

OC class presentation 

Penticton 

Vernon 

 

Grief and loss 

OC class presentation 

Penticton 

Vernon 

Understanding grief, supporting the grieving process within ourselves and others (including youth) 

Mindfulness and Self-Compassion 

OC class presentation 

Penticton

Vernon 

Typically offered to PN, HCA 

Self-Compassion  

OC Class Presentation 

Penticton

Salmon Arm 

Focusing on the impact between being hard on ourselves and mental health. Perfectionism vs excellence. 

Setting Yourself Up for Success at OC

(aka Study Skills)

OC Students  

Kelowna 

Penticton

Vernon 

Includes topics on time management, study skills and managing stress, exam writing. 

Stress Management and Navigating Triggers at School and in the Workplace 

ECE students, other programs such as Health Care and Human and Social Work 

Kelowna

Penticton 

Vernon 

 

Stress management 

OC class presentation 

 

Penticton

Vernon 

Developed for WET cohorts but can be adapted for any class 

 

Study Skills for medical programs 

OC class presentation 

Vernon 

Tailored to medical professions/ terminology 

Suicide Awareness Training 

Residence Advisors 

Kelowna

Vernon 

 

Taking Care of Ourselves (through a polyvagal lens) 

OC class presentation 

Kelowna 

Developed for HCA cohorts but can be adapted for any class 

Trauma – Understanding and Supporting Students  

Faculty and Support Staff 

Penticton 

Salmon Arm 

 

Kelowna campus
Student Services Building (S111)
250-762-5445

Vernon campus
Administration Building (A300)
250-762-5445

Penticton campus
Ashnola Building (PL142)
250-762-5445

Salmon Arm campus
Main Building (SA103)
250-762-5445