The challenges of college—and of everyday life—can be daunting. A new resource that is part of the larger SoE Cares program will give undergraduates access to a dedicated counselor who is there to help students through those challenges. 

Taylor Underwood, a doctoral student in Counseling Psychology, will serve as the dedicated counselor for the next academic year. Students can schedule a session with her and discuss any problems they’re going through.

“They can talk about home, their relationships, any concern they’re facing with their mental health. It’s really open ended. We just want to serve the students in whatever way they need it,” Underwood said. “I hope our undergraduate majors all feel like they’re having a great experience, and I hope just in general the School of Education becomes a very safe place for a lot of people.”

The idea for the SoE Cares program grew from listening sessions Dean Anastasia Morrone and Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Carl Darnell, had with students earlier this year. During those sessions, students, especially those from marginalized populations, voiced their concerns about wanting to be more supported by the school. As the program was put into place, a key priority was to provide a dedicated counselor. 

“This program is something that is incredibly important to me,” Morrone added. “I want our students to feel accepted and supported, whoever they are and whatever they are going through, and I hope this resource will help them through any challenge they may have.”

To schedule a session, email the Center for Human Growth and include “intake with Taylor” in the subject line.