“What Do I Do If…?”

Select a category below to find step-by-step guidance for common challenges.

Academic

I’m Failing a Class

  1. Contact the course instructor immediately
  2. Schedule a meeting with Academic Advisor (SMART)
  3. Access PASS tutoring/peer support
  4. Review course syllabus and remediation policies
  5. If needed → Student Progress Committee (SPC) guidance

I Don’t Understand the Material

  1. Review lecture recordings, notes, and learning objectives
  2. Attend office hours with the course faculty
  3. Join or form a study group
  4. Utilize PASS tutoring or peer academic support
  5. Meet with the Academic Advisor if challenges persist

I Missed an Exam

  1. Contact the Course Instructor immediately (time-sensitive)
  2. Review course policy on missed exams
  3. Complete the Absence Request Form (time-sensitive)
  4. Provide documentation if required (e.g., illness, emergency).
  5. Follow instructor's guidance for make-up or next steps
  6. Notify OSS if the situation involves broader concerns

Wellbeing

I’m Overwhelmed

  1. Pause and identify immediate priorities (today/this week)
  2. Reach out to Academic Advisor to adjust the workload plan
  3. Connect with Wellness Resources (counseling, support services)
  4. Talk with a trusted peer, mentor, or faculty member
  5. If experiencing an academic impact, coordinate with instructors

I’m Burned Out

  1. Recognize signs (fatigue, disengagement, decreased performance)
  2. Schedule time with Wellness/Counseling Services
  3. Meet with the advisor to evaluate workload and expectations
  4. Rebuild structure (sleep, nutrition, schedule)
  5. Consider short-term academic adjustments if needed
  6. View Wellness Resources

I Need to Talk to Someone

  1. Choose your support type: counseling (confidential), academic advisor, faculty mentor, or peer support
  2. Schedule or walk-in, depending on urgency
  3. If urgent, use crisis support or immediate support services

Financial

I Need Money

  1. Contact Financial Aid coordinator (Student Financial Services CVM-specific support)
  2. Explore emergency funding options
  3. Review budget and cost-of-attendance planning
  4. Review available scholarships (through ScholarshipUniverse)
  5. Meet with OSS for guidance on available resources (food insecurity)

I Have Unexpected Expenses

  1. Identify urgency and the amount needed
  2. Contact Student Financial Services immediately
  3. Explore emergency grants or short-term funding
  4. Explore food resources
  5. Notify OSS if the situation may impact academics
  6. Develop a short-term financial plan

I Need Help Understanding Loans

  1. Review the cost of attendance
  2. Review your financial aid package
  3. Schedule a meeting with a Financial Aid counselor
  4. Review loan resources
  5. Understand loan types (Direct Unsubsidized, Grad PLUS)
  6. Review repayment expectations and timelines
  7. Ask questions before accepting or modifying loans

Logistics

I Need to Schedule Something

  1. Identify what you need: advising, counseling, a faculty meeting, or career support
  2. Utilize Directory
  3. Use the contact page to find the office or individual you need to meet with
  4. Confirm appointment and prepare materials/questions

I Don’t Know Who to Contact

  1. Identify your need category: Academic → Advisor/Faculty; Wellness → Counseling; Financial → Financial Aid; General → OSS
  2. Use faculty/staff directory or Decision Hub routing
  3. When unsure, contact OSS (they will route you)

I Missed a Requirement

  1. Identify what was missed (assignment, immunization, registration, etc.)
  2. Review course requirements
  3. Contact the responsible office immediately
  4. Review course deadlines and academic standards policy
  5. Submit documentation if applicable
  6. Follow up to confirm resolution

Career

I Want Research Experience

  1. Identify areas of interest (clinical, lab, public health, etc.)
  2. Reach out to faculty involved in research
  3. Explore current research opportunities and projects
  4. Meet with advisor to align with goals
  5. Apply or engage in ongoing projects

I Need a Mentor

  1. Identify what type of mentor you need: clinical, research, or career guidance
  2. Meet with advisor to discuss options
  3. Connect with alumni, faculty, or professionals
  4. Find a mentor
  5. Establish regular communication and goals

I’m Thinking About Internships / Externships

  1. Clarify career interests and goals
  2. Meet with an advisor or career support
  3. Explore DVTP and internship/externship opportunities
  4. Explore Resume/CV Help
  5. Prepare application materials (CV, references)
  6. Apply and track opportunities

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