Student FAQ
Who can meet with a counselor?
All students enrolled at Seattle Central College are eligible to see counselors. We also may have limited meetings with students attempting to re-enroll at the college.
What can I expect in a meeting with a counselor?
- People are often nervous about meeting with a counselor. They may not know what to expect or they may have had a negative experience previously.
- Emotions often come up and counselors hold space sometimes for angry words or tears, you might be surprised that frequently there is also laughter and smiles in our work.
- Mindful of our mission and values Seattle Central Counseling strives for culturally responsive work informed by equity and social justice.
- Counselors are present with humility and curiosity, listening for where students lead, providing points for reflection and further consideration.
- At the first appointment of each academic year students complete voluntary brief intake and informed consent paperwork.
How much does it cost?
Counseling at Seattle Central is free of charge to students.
Do I need an appointment?
Due to demand it is highly recommended that you make an appointment. We generally have drop in only the first couple days of the quarter.
What if I need to see someone right away?
There is a counselor on crisis duty in the case of unexpected emergencies.
Is the meeting confidential?
Ethical and legal guidelines ensure that counselors maintain a confidential space and will not share information regarding counseling appointments with anyone outside of the Seattle Central Counseling Center. *
Exceptions to confidentiality:
- Detailed planning of future suicide attempts
- Other concrete signs of suicidal intent
- Planned violence towards others
- Planned future child abuse
- Formerly committed child abuse
- Experiencing child abuse
- Expecting to experience future child abuse
* Seattle Central Counselors consult with each other within the center to expand our network of care institutionally and provide the best support to students individually.
I am on academic probation why do I have to meet with a counselor?
Students on "Academic Warning/Alert" are encouraged to meet with a counselor. "Students on Academic Probation" are required to meet with a counselor. These meetings are not meant as a punishment for students but rather are an opportunity for the student and counselor to discuss the student's college experience and to identify strengths, problem solve and expand networks of support and resources to increase student success.
Can I request that a counselor come to a meeting with faculty/administrator?
If you have signed a release of information and requested that a counselor attends a meeting to advocate for you then it is appropriate for a counselor to attend the meeting as a student advocate. In this role counselors provide emotional support to students and may assist in clarifying communication but do not have supervisory or disciplinary power over participants in the meeting.
A counselor can still attend a meeting and provide general consultation regarding potential general classroom management strategies and accommodations, but the counselor cannot discuss a student or provide information about a student without a specific release.
What other on-campus services are there?
Student Conduct
It is the intention of Seattle Central to provide both a safe and nurturing environment for students, faculty, and staff. The college subscribes to a code of conduct.
Care Team
A cross–campus team that meets on a regular basis to review and respond to reports of student behavior that may pose a threat of self–harm or a threat to the community.
Crisis Intervention
Counselors will respond to faculty and staff who become aware of student crisis situations on campus and need someone to help with the resolution of a difficult situation.
Strategies & Tools for Successful Students
A small collection of different strategies for being a successful student.