Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
On- and Off-Campus Support Resources: Spring 2021
Remember, seeking help is a strength, not a weakness
ON-CAMPUS HEALTH
& WELLNESS SUPPORT
Student Health Center (Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST)
The mission of the Student
Health Center (SHC) is to keep students healthy so that they may achieve their
academic, personal, and athletic goals. The SHC provides confidential, accessible,
cost-effective, current evidence-based treatment for acute and chronic physical
health problems. At this time, appointments are being offered virtually (phone
and video). Call 518-276-6287 to schedule an appointment, or schedule one
through your Student Health portal. There are no walk-in appointments
available at the Student Health Center during this time.
Counseling Center (Mon-Fri, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST; some weekday evening hours available by appointment)
The goal of the Counseling Center is to help students maximize their sense of well-being as well as their academic, personal, and social growth. Appointments are free and confidential, and are all via WebEx or telephone. Students who need a private location for counseling appointments can reserve space in the Counseling Center, 4th Floor of Academy Hall. Please contact the Counseling Center for this service. Appointments can be made by calling 518-276-6479 or email: counseling@rpi.edu Counseling Center staff are available in case of a crisis on evenings and weekends (call Public Safety at 518-276-6611 and ask to speak with the on-call counselor).
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Virtual Peer-Led Support Groups @RPI
Virtual Peer-Led Support Groups are for RPI students who have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. The groups are facilitated by trained RPI students who have themselves struggled with mental health. RPI Counselors are NOT present during these meetings. For support group dates/times and to pre-register, visit the RPI Active Minds website: https://activemindsatrpi.wordpress.com/
Office of Health Promotion (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST;
weekday evening hours available by appointment)
Health promotion initiatives at Rensselaer are evidence-based and comprehensive efforts to improve health knowledge, behaviors, and skills of Rensselaer students. Health Educators are available for one-on-one consultations around a variety of issues including, but not limited to: sleep hygiene, mental health, sexual health, alcohol and other drugs, LGBTQIA+ topics, sexual assault prevention, and more. All appointments are free and confidential, and take place via WebEx. To schedule an appointment, email: healthed@rpi.edu Follow us on social media for daily health tips and information!
Instagram: rpi.studenthealth |Twitter: @RPIhealth | Facebook: RPI Student Health Services
Disability Services for Students or DSS (Mon-Fri,
8:30 am – 4:00 pm EST)
The Office of Disability Services for Students (DSS) assists Rensselaer students with disabilities in gaining equal access to academic programs, extracurricular activities, and physical facilities on campus. DSS is the designated office at Rensselaer that obtains and files disability-related documentation, assesses for eligibility of services, and determines reasonable accommodations in consultation with students. Call 518-276-8197 or email dss@rpi.edu for more information.
LGBTQ+ Mentoring Network
The LGBTQ+ Mentoring Network is a program designed for the lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ+) campus community at
Rensselaer. This program pairs "mentors" ("out" LGBTQ+
staff, faculty, and local alumni) and "mentees" (LGBTQ+ undergraduate
and/or graduate students) in formal mentoring relationships. Mentors can:
provide professional advice & emotional support; help you come to terms
with your sexual orientation, romantic orientation, and/or gender identity;
help you to develop a positive self-esteem; coaching you on living as a successful
LGBTQ+ person; and serve as a friendly LGBTQ+ face on campus to meet with for
coffee or lunch, a walk, or just to talk. Privacy of all mentees in the program
is maintained at all times. To join the program, contact the program
coordinator, Tara R. Schuster at: schust@rpi.edu
Mueller Center/Campus Recreation
Operated by the Rensselaer Union, the Mueller
Center's facilities, fitness classes, intramural, and outdoor recreation and
wellness programs foster a friendly, judgment-free environment. All programs
and services are 100% virtual and free this semester (spring 2021). A variety
of virtual fitness classes, wellness programs and more can be accessed at: https://linktr.ee/Rpicampusrecreation. Follow us on social media for regular updates: Instagram: @rpicampusrecreation | Twitter: @rpicampusrec
Facebook: The Mueller Center
Registered Dietician Nutritionist
Kimberly Mayer, RDN, is available for complimentary consultations for any RPI students that have a meal plan. Some of these nutrition topics may include:
· Food allergies, celiac and other special dietary needs
· How to eat healthy on campus
· Vegan and vegetarian dining
· Sports nutrition
To schedule an appointment, email: Kimberly.mayer@sodexo.com
ON-CAMPUS ACADEMIC &
PERSONAL GROWTH SUPPORT
Advising and Learning Assistance Center or ALAC (Mon-Fri,
9:00 am – 4:30 pm EST)
The Advising and Learning Assistance Center (ALAC) helps
undergraduates thrive academically through a variety of support programs like
tutoring, advising, and other activities. Contact ALAC at: 518-276-6269. For
ALAC Webex Tutoring Services, go to the following
link: https://info.rpi.edu/advising-learning-assistance/learning-assistance/#TutoringServices
The Center for Global Communication +
Design
The
Center for Global Communication + Design is a free resource for all members of the RPI community. Whether
you're unsure about your communication skills or are an experienced writer,
you're welcome to meet one-on-one (virtually) with our experienced
undergraduate mentors and graduate teaching assistants! Our goal is to provide
you with strategies that will make you a more effective communicator—in the
classroom and beyond. Whatever the communication project, we can help! Services
offered include: tutoring, language and cultural support for non-native
English-speaking students, and writing-related and visual design-related
resources for use while working on your various projects. For more information,
visit: https://info.rpi.edu/comm-d
STRIVE
STRIVE provides
personal support, assistance, and social guidance to Rensselaer’s
underrepresented students through activities and interactions with their
classmates, faculty, staff, and alumni. In collaboration with Rensselaer’s
chapters of the national Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Hispanic
Professional Engineers, STRIVE connects first-year students with upper-class
mentors. For more information, contact Sherry Gunn at: 518-276-8022 or gunns@rpi.edu
The Center for Deep
Listening
The Center for Deep Listening at Rensselaer stewards the
practice of Deep Listening® pioneered by composer Pauline Oliveros, providing a
unique approach to music, literature, art, meditation, technology, and healing.
Described as a form of meditation that opens an
expanded world of sound that helps students with learning in all disciplines,
the center offers an online Deep
Listening Teaching Certification,
houses the Deep Listening archives, sponsors Deep Listening workshops and
retreats in a range of community settings, and connects students with Deep Listening
teachers around the world. For more information, visit: https://www.deeplistening.rpi.edu/
Student Success Labs
The goal of Student Success Labs is to help you achieve your goals and overcome obstacles such as stress, planning, anxiety, and motivation. Success Labs boast talks by faculty, administrators, and experts who lead hands-on workshops. The sessions are open to any RPI students looking to achieve academic and/or personal goals. Past talks have included topics such as: resiliency, sleep hygiene, mindfulness, and how to address procrastination: https://success.studentlife.rpi.edu/success-labs
Personal Success Plans
Whether you’re
trying to spend less time playing video games or become a Fulbright Scholar, it
all starts with a plan. This plan, which has been completed by over 1,000
Rensselaer students, is an online inventory that is academic in nature. If your
academics aren’t strong, it’s hard to achieve other goals. Completing an online
inventory will help you pinpoint motivational and other issues that may be
hindering you. The Office of Student Success will use information from your
inventory to create a personalized plan for your success. For more information,
visit: https://success.studentlife.rpi.edu/current-students/academic-and-personal-support/personal-success-plans
OFF-CAMPUS SUPPORT
To view a complete list of meetings available Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings in Rensselaer County
General Information: info@al-anon-8ny.org
Alateen Information: alateen@al-anon-8ny.org
Rensselaer County
Health Department – (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST)
The Rensselaer County Health Department offers confidential immunization and HIV/STI clinics on a weekly basis. To schedule an appointment, call 518-270-2655. Testing is provided free of charge. Individuals residing in Rensselaer County can reach the Rensselaer Recovery Hotline at 1-833-467-3213 (1-833-HOPE-123) to receive information, resources, or referrals for themselves or anyone needing help with substance abuse and recovery.
Whitney M Young
Health Center (Mon/Weds/Thurs/Fri, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm EST and Tues, 8:00 am –
7:30 pm EST)
The Whitney M Young Health Center offers no-cost, confidential rapid HIV testing and Hepatitis C testing Monday – Friday, from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Please call ahead to schedule your test at 518-591-4553. We also offer confidential, comprehensive support services for those who test positive. Whitney M Young Health Center is also available to help individuals find low-cost or no-cost health insurance.
The Disaster Distress Helpline
A national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This multilingual, confidential crisis support service is available 24/7/365. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ young adults and allies)
Trained counselors are available to support LGBTQ+ young adult and allies 24/7/365. If you are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe, judgment-free, and confidential place to talk, call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678, or connect via chat online at: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help-now/
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (number on the back of your RPI Student ID card)
The hotline provides 24/7/365 free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 1-800-273-8255 or connect via chat https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
Shine: Care for Your Coronavirus Anxiety
Online resources for anxiety and your mental health in a global climate of uncertainty: https://www.virusanxiety.com/ Crisis counselors are also available for confidential support 24/7/365. Text 741741