There are many things you can do with a counseling degree! In this series of posts, I will describe various counseling settings, starting with student affairs, or college counseling.
General Information
Starting in the 1700s, among the earliest colleges, faculty would often act as substitute parents by counseling and guiding students. As time went on, this role evolved and expanded into one of greater support, and was transferred from faculty onto counseling personnel. Even though there have been recent cutbacks, college counselors are an important part of the development and success of students.
OK…so why become a college counselor? According to Ed Neukrug, the author of the source* for this article, it is because “…the college experience was crucial in the development of the individual…student affairs practitioners are critical to the development of college students.” (p. 611).
So, if you really want to change lives, why not start closer to the source? Why not place yourself at the true nexus of change? After all, it’s much easier to make a difference in someone’s life when they are still in the process of forming their identity.
Roles and Settings
College counseling, also known as student affairs, can consist of a variety of activities including advising, residence life, orientation, and organizing programs and services. The counselor can take on many roles:
- Counselor – guiding, supporting and advising students. Emotional and mental well-being of students is important for student success, and is supported by these professionals.
- Educator – helping students grow intellectually. This includes understanding the developmental needs of students and advising them appropriately, participating in research, and building curriculum.
- Ecology Manager – creating a safe and nurturing learning environment. This includes providing feedback regarding the optimum physical environment for learning, helping to ensure that all students feel welcome, and providing consultation on organizational dynamics.
- Administrator – provide and maintain structure. This includes evaluating current programs, suggesting new ones, developing procedures that ensure good communication, and monitoring working relationships among the staff.
Examples of settings include: academic support services, career development services, counseling centers, disability services, health services, human resources, multicultural student services, residence life and housing services, and student activities services.
Professional Issues
- Professional Associations. There are many, but the two most common are the American College Counseling Association (ACCA), and the College Student Educators International (ACPA).
- Salaries. Salaries range widely based on geographical location and type of institution. The average salary is $44,000 at a four year college. Salaries increase with increased responsibility, for example, a director of financial aid might receive $74,000.
Legal Issues
College counselors have legal concerns that other counselors don’t. For example, due to the recent violent outbreaks on college campuses, including the Virginia Tech incident, college counselors must include concern for student safety on their to-do list. College counselors are expected to be alert to any problematic student behavior, and then appropriately report and/or refer. As such, college counselors must often divulge information about students. These additional limits to confidentiality must be included in any intake paperwork and discussed with students prior to engaging in a therapeutic relationship.
So, as you can see, the role of a college counselor is crucial. There are many opportunities, but also a lot of responsibility.
Yours in the Joy of Knowledge,
Barbara LoFrisco
*source: The World of the Counselor: An Introduction to the Counseling Profession by Ed Neukrug, fourth edition.
