Phone: 717-702-3521
Student Enrichment Center - 212
Students may experience a variety of challenges during their college career. Student Care & Advocacy is a central location that coordinates efforts with campus partners to assist students who encounter challenges or concerns in achieving success at Penn State.
Case Manager
Dr. Kelly R. Weaber
The Student Care & Advocacy Office provides Penn State Harrisburg students with the necessary tools and support to make difficult situations more manageable. When made aware of a student going through an unforeseen challenging circumstance, we engage in a good faith review of the information provided for a student who requires support across multiple units. Our approach is one of empowerment, encouraging students to maximize their educational experience and prepare for involvement in the larger community and life beyond college.
When Should I Reach Out?
Please contact us if you or someone you know is struggling with any of the following: academic distress, financial insecurity, housing/food insecurity, transportation difficulties, death of an immediate family member, family emergency/crisis, mental health concern, medical emergency and/or hospitalization, long-term illness, childcare, and unexpected events or challenges.
If you are experiencing a crisis, the following resource is available 24/7/365:
- PSU Crisis Service Lines
- Text “LIONS” to 741741
- Phone: 877 229 6400
Additional resources, also available 24/7/365:
- Call 911
- Trevor Project
- Text START to 678-678 for LGTBQ+ community to connect with a counselor
- Steve Fund
- Text STEVE to 741-741 for young people of color to connect with a counselor
- Crises Text Line
- Text AYUDA to 741-741 for LatinX community to connect with a Spanish-speaking counselor
- Asian LifeNet Hotline
- Call 1-877-990-8585 for AAPI community to connect with a counselor (Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Fujianese offered)
- Veteran Crises Line
- Text 838-255 for Veteran’s to connect with a counselor
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or Text 988
Please remember that anyone can make a referral, including parents and other students.
Where to Start
Are you facing challenges with access to adequate food, stable housing, or meeting other basic needs? Do you know a Penn State student who is facing these challenges? As a first point of contact at every campus, you can complete the Basic Needs Request form for yourself or on behalf of someone you know.
All conversations will be kept confidential
Note that Information may be shared on a strictly need-to-know basis in order to refer the student to the correct campus resource or intervene as appropriate.
Faculty and staff referrals (We need you!)
Faculty and staff have a direct link to students and can contribute to their well-being. Declining academic performance and worrisome behaviors are often indicators that a student may be facing struggles in other areas. Faculty and staff are often the first to recognize when a student is distressed, distressing, or just needs additional support.
The Red Folder Initiative helps faculty and staff assist students in distress and connects them to helpful resources.