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
- unexpected events or challenges
Please remember that anyone can make a referral, including parents and other students.
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.