Skip to Content

Academic Advising

Referring Students to Support

Academic advisors are not expected to be able to address all challenges an advisee might face. Frequently they can best serve students by referring to other resources for challenges beyond an advisor’s professional scope.

Tips for Effective Referrals

The first step in making effective referrals is to remain attentive with students and listen to any clues that may imply the need for a specific resource. For example, poor grades may be a sign of insufficient time management or study skills, but it could also result from financial insecurity. Depending on if the student needs a resource that involves the advisor submitting an alert or if it is simply a resource the student can be directed to, see the following tips on how to efficiently refer them. 

  • Let students know that you are submitting an alert or referral on their behalf and that someone from the partner office should reach out to them to schedule an appointment. Encourage students to take advantage of offered resources.
  • When possible, provide a description of where students will go to obtain support.
    “Your SI session will be on the mezzanine level of the Thomas Cooper Library. When you walk into the library, either go up the stairs to your left or take the elevator up to the mezzanine level. When you get upstairs walk to the end of the hallway and check in at the large desk in front of the Student Success Center. Whoever is working the desk will let you know which tables your session is at. Your session will be facilitated by a peer leader who has taken your class already, is going through it with you again, and has undergone training in planning and leading interactive group learning sessions.” 
  • Facilitate connections between students and resources, but remember that it is the student’s responsibility to follow through. 
  • Document referrals in Navigate.
  • Follow-up with students on their utilization of the resource you referred them to.  
  • With resources that do not include a referral for the advisor to submit, they can simply direct a student to that partner office's website.
  • When possible, be clear with a student where applicable information can be found or provide a description on how the resource can be utilized.For example, an advisor could include the Garnet Gate website link in their post-appointment email to a student followed by a quick description on how to use it.
    "When you follow this link, it will take you to Garnet Gate. This is a one-stop shop for how and where to get involved on campus. You can utilize the search bar on the home page to search groups and organizations based on your interests. Once you have found an organization that you are interested in, visit the website they have provided and/or reach out via the contact information provided. This is how you will be able to find out how to get involved!"
  • In some of these cases, it may make sense to help facilitate connections between students and campus partners in these offices. But again, remember that it is the student’s responsibility to follow through.
  • Document referrals in Navigate.
  • Follow-up with students on their utilization of the resource you referred them to.  

To make effective and efficient referrals, academic advisors must know the resources available to students.  Please familiarize yourself with the following resources and explore their websites for a more detailed explanation of the services they provide. 

Category Office/Team Reason for Referral How to connect a student to resource Office Website Keywords
(hidden column)
Wellness Interpersonal Violence
To report interpersonal violence (sexual assault, dating or relationship violence, or stalking)

Submit a report form found on the Interpersonal Violence homepage.

 

Interpersonal Violence Website

tag 1, tag2
Academic Support Student Disability Resource Center (SDRC) To refer a student who might benefit from accommodations Submit a SDRC Referral Form SDRC Website  
Wellness Hazing

Hazing can be reported on this form or by calling the anonymous hazing hotline at 803-777-5800

Submit a Hazing Report Form    
Wellness Student Care and Outreach Team (Care Team)

If you are ever concerned about someone's health, well-being, or safety, submit a referral.

In the event of an emergency, contact USCPD at 803-777-4215 or call 911.

Submit a Care Team Referral Form    
Other Student Support Student Success Center

To connect a student with financial literacy resources.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate

SSC Website

 
Academic Support Student Success Center

To connect a student with course-specific support (tutoring and Supplemental Instruction), study strategies, time management, or peer writing.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate


SSC Website

 
Wellness Office of Civil Rights & Title IX/Office of Access and Opportunity

To report an incident of bias or hate.

Submit an Incident Report

 Office of Access and Opportunity Website

 
Wellness Substance Abuse Prevention and Education (SAPE)

To connect a student with resources for substance use.

Submit SAPE Referral Form

SAPE Website

 
Other Student Support; Experiential Learning Career Center

To connect a student with resources for career exploration/career coaching.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate

 Career Center Website

 
Other Student Support Financial Aid

To connect a student who would benefit from financial services or guidance.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate 

 Financial Aid and Scholarships Website

 
Wellness; Academic Support Hardship Withdrawal

If a mental health, medical, or personal crisis prevented academic success during a past semester or the Withdrawal Fail (WF) period of a current semester, students may be interested in petitioning for a hardship withdrawal.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate

Dean of Students Website

 
Academic Support Withdrawal To submit a student who withdrawing/leaving USC.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate

 

 
Academic Support Office of Student Advocacy To connect students to resources about requesting an excused class absence or receiving help with another concern.

Students can utilize the various forms on the Student Ombuds website.

Office of Student Advocacy Website

 
Student Engagement Garnet Gate To connect a student with resources about how and where to get involved on campus.

Direct students to Garnet Gate website.

Garnet Gate

 
Other Student Support Student Employment/Handshake To connect a student who is interested in student employment.

Direct students to office website/s.

Handshake on Career Center Website

Student Employment Division of HR Website

 
Academic Support Office of Pre-Professional & Graduate Advising To refer a student who is on the pre-med, pre-health, and pre-law tracks, as well as, students going onto other graduate schools.

Submit Alerts via EAB Navigate

 

OPPA Website

 
Experiential Learning Education Abroad Students can utilize this form/contact information if they are interested in studying abroad and want to begin the process.

Direct students to Education Abroad website.

Education Abroad Website

 
Experiential Learning Undergraduate Research To connect a student to resources on how to start the undergraduate research process.

Direct students to Undergraduate Research website.

Undergraduate Research Website

 
Academic Support Writing Center To connect a student who is seeking help in their English or general writing assignments.

Students can make an appointment on the Writing Center website.

Writing Center Website

 
Other Student Support Veterans and Military Services To connect veteran/military students to applicable resources.

Direct students to Veterans and Military Services website.

Veterans and Military Services Website

 
Wellness Counseling & Psychiatry To connect a student to therapy and emotional wellness services.

 Students can get in contact and make appointments on the Counseling & Psychiatry website.

Call 803-777-5223 if concerned about a student and need guidance on appropriate next steps.

Counseling & Psychiatry Website

 
Other Student Support Office of Multicultural Student Affairs To connect a student to affinity group resources.

Direct students to Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website.

Office of Multicultural Student Affairs Website

 
Wellness; Other Student Support Gamecock CommUnity Shop To address basic needs and provide free food, clothing and supplies.

Direct students to website or submit a Basic Needs Referral.

Gamecock CommUnity Shop

 
Academic Support Exploratory Advising To assist students interested in changing their major at USC.

Direct students to website to schedule an appointment or submit an alert via EAB Navigate.

Office of Exploratory Advising & Academic Coaching

 
Academic Support Academic Coaching To provide individualized support and guidance for undergraduate students who are in a state of exploration and/or are academically at-risk.

Direct students to contact the University Advising Center or submit an alert via EAB Navigate.

Office of Exploratory Advising & Academic Coaching

 

 

For information and resources to help students with registration concerns, see the Registration Help page on the UAC website!


Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.

©