Who to Ask for Help

Overview

Click the question or issue you may be experiencing and get more information so you can Ask for Help.

Health or Mental Health Issues

I am so stressed out and anxious and can't cope.

I've been thinking about hurting myself or attempting suicide because I'm hurting.

  • If you feel like you're seriously going to attempt suicide, contact someone immediately. You can call your roommate, your RA, call 988, the Wellness Center, UPD, or 911.
  • If you've been thinking about hurting yourself or are currently hurting yourself by cutting or inflicting injuries, contact the Wellness Center, TimelyMD, or 988 to get connected to care and create a safety plan.
  • If you know someone who has communicated to you suicidal thoughts, submit a SOCAT Referral and explain in as much detail what has been going on and what you have noticed.

I or someone I know hasn't been showering lately, getting out of bed, eating, or going to class.

  • Submit a SOCAT Referral and explain in as much detail what has been going on and what you have noticed.
  • Try talking to them and encourage them to seek care at the Wellness Center or with a mental health professional.
  • Take QPR Training to gain skills on how to talk to loved ones about serious mental health issues or suicide ideation.

What services does the Wellness Center offer?

The Wellness Center offers psychological, medical, victim advocacy, and prevention services. There is no cost to see any provider but you may have fees associated with seeing the psychiatrist, registered dietitian, or certain medical procedures. You can access all of these services with or without health insurance!

You also can access Timely MD, free virtual mental health care and well-being support for USF students. It is an on-demand, virtual care service that is accessible 24/7 from your phone or a desktop from anywhere in the U.S.

How do I get a medical/life circumstances-based withdrawal from a course?

Contact your academic advisor. You can also fill out a SOCAT referral for yourself!

I'm having difficulty with: juggling my personal life and academics; feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed; the loss of a loved one or grief; anger management and the need to protect myself.

Contact the Wellness Center, 727-873-4422 to make an appointment, or walk-in to SLC2200. You can also go to the Shrink Space to find an off-campus mental health provider. You also have access to Timely MD, free virtual mental health care and well-being support for USF students. It is an on-demand, virtual care service that is accessible 24/7 from your phone or a desktop from anywhere in the U.S.

Is testing for ADD/ADHD available through the USF St. Petersburg campus? 

Call the Wellness Center, 727-873-4422 option 2 if you are interested in scheduling neuropsychological testing.

How long does the paperwork for counseling services take? 

Not long! Plan to arrive at the Wellness Center at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment in order to fill out the paperwork before seeing your mental health counselor. You will fill out paperwork online if you are meeting with your counselor virtually. For information related to preparing for your counseling appointments, visit the Wellness Center website.

Academic Issues

I'm having trouble with time management, procrastination, and/or study skills.

They're super common issues but they will absolutely stand in the way of your academic success, so get help now! Contact the Success Advocates at stp-studentsuccessadvocacy@usf.edu for help specific to these issues.

I have questions related to how many classes I need for my degree or what grade I need in order to pass a certain class.

Contact your advisor or put in a SOCAT referral for yourself. You can check out the undergraduate course catalog for grade requirements and courses needed.

I cannot find my class schedule, where my class is located, or who my professor is.

  • Log into OASIS and click Student. You can find your schedule there, including the classroom location. 
  • Check Canvas the Friday before classes start to see if your instructor uploaded the syllabus. You should also be able to find contact info and location in the syllabus.
  • Check with your advisor if you still can't find the info you need.

I need help contacting/meeting with my Academic Advisor.

To figure out who your advisor is, view Find Your Advisor or call Academic Advising at 727-873-4511.

I'm having issues that are keeping me from functioning in a rigorous academic environment.

Sometimes academics can be challenging because of not attentively reading or comprehending instructions. You can seek out help from the Student Success Center, Academic Advising, or the Wellness Center if it's health-related.

How do I find out when my professor will be in their office for office hours?

Check the syllabus on Canvas first for anything related to your course. The syllabus will have the office hours listed. Also check the faculty member's published office hours on their door and make an appointment via email.

I need help resolving a USF-related conflict.

Book an appointment with your Student Ombuds

General Life or campus Issues

It’s my first year at USF and I’m not sure where to find the assistance I need!

Connect with the New Student Experience and their Peer Coach team. Serving both First-Year & Incoming Transfer students, their services focus on helping you have a well-rounded transition onto campus. From academic to social challenges, they are your one-stop shop for getting to know our campus, student life, and the resources available to you.

How do I get information about emergencies or weather-related events on campus?

Whether it's a hurricane, armed intruder, or another emergency, you need to know what's happening on campus when it happens. Sign up for mobile alerts.

I feel unsafe walking back to my car.

You can get a free escort to your car by calling the University Police Department at 727-873-4444. 

Social Life Issues

I’m a new student and I’m struggling to find community and where I feel like I “belong”.

Connect with the First-Year & Transfer Peer Coach teams! These upperclassmen peers have navigated what it means to transition to USF St. Petersburg and they want to help you find your way. Almost like a first friend on campus, they are here to answer any questions you may have from “Where is the best Italian food in St. Pete?” to “What’s the best way to meet other students with x,y,or z interest?” Visit the linked webpage to see their walk-in hours or schedule a meeting. 

I'm feeling really lonely and feel isolated.

  • Get Involved! Research shows that getting involved in campus life is the best way to meet people and help you feel like you belong here. There are a lot of student organizations or you can create your own to meet like-minded people.
  • Join Togetherall to talk to other USF students about issues you are struggling with and get strategies to help.
  • Join a drop-in workshop to meet other students like you who want to learn skills and strategies to improve their wellbeing.

How do I make friends and not end up in the wrong crowd of people? How do I get out of friendships when I realize they are not who I thought they were?

Having difficult conversations with people is a challenge but you deserve to surround yourself with good people who respect you. If you need ideas to help start that conversation, contact your RA, the Wellness Center, or simply get involved in campus life to meet like-minded people.

I or someone I know is in an unhealthy relationship and I don't know what to do.

For help with talking to a friend or loved one, see the victim advocacy resources. If you are struggling with violence or abuse or want to consult on how to talk to a loved one, contact our Victim Advocate.

I'm a graduate student. What types of resources/services am I allowed to access on campus?

You have access to everything as a USF graduate student, including the Wellness Center. Check out information on attending an Orientation, which is highly encouraged, or contact the Office of Graduate Studies to learn more.