FAQs
Student Case Management
Are the staff in Student Case Management mental health providers?
Many of the staff in Student Case Management are licensed mental health professionals, including social workers and professional counselors; however, we do not provide diagnosis, assessment, or treatment for mental health concerns. Students requiring mental health services will be referred to Student Wellness for further evaluation and treatment options.
What happens during the first meeting with Student Case Management?
In most cases, a staff member will conduct an intake with the student to review their concerns. Subsequently, the staff member will develop an intervention plan with the student to address their concerns.
How soon can a student get an appointment?
Student Case Management tries to accommodate students within their class schedule. Typically, students are seen within a week of initial outreach. Appointments can be in-person or virtual at the student’s request.
How long is an appointment?
Student Case Management staff will reserve one hour for an appointment, although these meetings can be shorter or longer depending on the concern.
Is the information a student shares during their appointment confidential?
Student Case Management staff may be licensed mental health professionals, however, their roles with Student Case Management are non-clinical. Student Case Management does not provide psychotherapy or other mental health diagnosis or treatment. Therefore, the information you share with Student Case Management is not subject to the confidentiality laws applicable to a mental health treatment provider (e.g., the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act). If you are seeking mental health services, Student Case Management will refer you to Student Wellness or you can get additional information about the services offered by Student Wellness can be found here.
The information you share with Student Case Management will be kept private and confidential to the extent possible in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Student Case Management may disclose information you provide with other University officials to connect you with resources or to develop or implement a plan to support you while you are experiencing difficulties. There are also instances when Student Case Management will need to share information if you are at risk for hurting yourself or others or as permitted or compelled by law. Student Case Management staff must also comply with their reporting obligations under the University’s Policy on Title IX Sexual Harassment and are not considered “confidential resources” under that Policy. This means that Student Case Management Staff must report a possible incident of sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment), dating violence, domestic violence or stalking that is reported to them. You may review the Title IX Sexual Harassment policy here. The University of Chicago also offers confidential resources such as licensed clinical staff within Student Wellness, the Sexual Assault Dean on Call, and members of the clergy in Spiritual Life. You are welcome to ask a Student Case Management staff member for more information about who to talk with if you would like to discuss something confidentially. More information about the University’s confidential resources is provided here.
Will Student Case Management share information about a student with their parents?
Student Case Management will not share any details of student appointments with parents unless the student provides express permission via a signed Release of Information. Even with a signed release of information, Student Case Management staff members typically only contact a student’s parents if it may benefit their overall progress.
If a student has experienced an unforeseen medical concern, psychiatric issue, or other life stressors (e.g., death in the family, housing emergency) and would like to be provided academic consideration, how can Student Case Management help?
Student Case Management provides holistic support to students that are experiencing difficulty and all matters of concern will be assessed during our initial intake and further meetings. Student Case Management will work with the student to discuss options; however, typically, the student will be connected with the College or their respective area Dean of Students to mitigate/address their academic matters.
How, if at all, can Student Case Management help if a student is having an issue with an instructor?
Student Case Management provides holistic support to students that are experiencing difficulty and all matters of concern will be assessed during our initial intake and further meetings. Student Case Management will work with the student to discuss options; however, typically, the student will be connected with the College or their respective area Dean of Students to mitigate/address their academic matters.
How can Student Case Management help if I am facing housing insecurity?
In accordance with the Illinois Higher Education Housing and Opportunities Act, the University of Chicago is committed to supporting students that may be at-risk of housing insecurity. Staff from Student Support Services and Student Case Management, in collaboration, have been designated as HOUSE Liaisons to support students by connecting them to on and off campus resources and removing barriers to encourage persistence and completion. For more information, click here.