Being new to college and taking that big step into young adulthood can be terrifying most of the time. It’s a new world and a big change of atmosphere, which makes it essential to learn about supporting offices and resources from your college that can aid your needs and wants. In my first year, I had to learn about these university facilities on my own, so I was completely lost. Hopefully, this list of different offices, like the Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, or the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities, to mention a few, can help you out on this amazing, and confusing journey.
- Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (DCODE by its acronym in Spanish):
Feeling lost and overwhelmed? This is the office for you. It offers excellent counseling services to promote and strengthen the personal, educational, occupational, and social development of students so that they can successfully achieve their goals. They are a group of mental health professionals that seek to guide students through any situation, not just academic dilemmas. To coordinate an appointment, they are located on the first floor of Centro Universitario.
- Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSEI by its acronym in Spanish):
They offer services to students with disabilities studying at our Institution. Their goal is to promote equal access and participation of this community in all programs, services, and activities offered by the Río Piedras Campus. Also located on the first floor of Centro Universitario.
This facility is a key piece for the well-being of the community. They care about the health of the student body, emphasizing prevention, health education, and Health Insurance Coverage. Don’t be afraid to contact them at their email serviciosmedicos.rp@upr.edu, or in case of an emergency you can call directly at 787-763-6233.
The Office of the Student Ombudsman provides information, advice, referrals, and intervention to the student body at the University of Puerto Rico. It’s located on the second floor of Centro Universitario.
Title IX prohibits discrimination in regards to sex and gender, in programs and activities in educational institutions that receive federal funds.This organization presents itself in complaints due to sexual harassment, gender hazing, domestic violence, among others. If you or a friend is in a situation that merits their assistance, they are located at Plaza Universitaria on the third floor.
For all things student queries and concerns, this is the facility for you. The Dean of Student Affairs develops, coordinates, and supervises all programs and services in the university. Everything from tuition, frequently asked questions, and requisites to study in each faculty, they have it and more. You can contact the Orientation Office at 787-764-0000 ext. 89026.
They are the representatives, the voice, of the student body. They address any issues regarding the university, especially its effect on students, so it is massively important that you follow them on their socials to stay up to date with the university’s status.
The Lazaro library is not only to grab a cubicle for studying or watching Netflix. The Lazaro library is a massive archive with a ton of resources. It oversees acquisition of printed and electronic bibliographic resources, and maintains collections up to date for students, faculty, researchers, and the extended community.
Have no clue how to begin to study? This facility has got you covered. It was created to provide our students with better educational opportunities that would result in upgrading their academic, personal and professional achievements. You are able to coordinate an appointment at the Faculty of General Studies, theater 4.
Take advantage of the university’s resources. I know college life can mainly be about socializing, partying, and studying (obviously), and most of the time it might seem like you are winging it, but it doesn’t always have to be like that. These resources are meant to make your college life a lot easier. Remember, every student might need help at some point and benefiting from these facilities does not mean you are failing at college, it just means you were well informed.
Now, use all the resources you need and go get that degree!