NewsFebruary 17, 2022

Counseling Clinic, Title IX Office Rise Against Violence.

Written By: Samantha Contreras

As a Valentine's week full of loving stories, heart-shaped candy, and pink balloons comes to a close, the UAFS Student Counseling Center shared important information about student services for those whose romantic lives may be more dangerous than dreamy.

“I think UAFS does what it can do by bringing awareness to students, from their first interactions with campus,” said Eva Karen Martindale-Orite, licensed professional counselor and therapist at UAFS, who cited the inclusion Title IX information at every new student orientation as a good example of proactive outreach.

“The Title IX office highly values the relationship we have with the Student Counseling Center, and the opportunities to speak to students throughout their collegiate experience,” said Kathryn Janz, Deputy Title IX Coordinator at UAFS.

“A part of what we’re dealing with though is college students are often see themselves as less vulnerable,” Martindale-Orite continued. Though mental health is a serious and pervasive issue for college students across the globe, according to reporting from Inside HigherEd, the counseling center has seen far fewer students than the counselors might expect, particularly around domestic violence and sexual assault. The numbers each year remain in the single digits, she said - likely due to lingering stigma around the topic.

Earlier this week, the UAFS Counseling Center, the UAFS Title IX office and the UAFS Student Life office partnered with the United Way of the Fort Smith Area and numerous community organizations to host Rising in the River Valley, an annual event dedicated to bringing together resources, awareness and support to end domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence. 

“When I get the opportunity with young people and talk to them about what it takes to build a healthy relationship, and the danger signs to look out for - I think our team is helping students with developing their own sense of character and empowering them to set boundaries,” said Martindale-Orite.

“Our ultimate goal in the Title IX office is to ensure students, faculty, and staff are able to participate in university activities and programs without experiencing any form of sex-based discrimination,” added Janz. “We want students to have access to options, resources, and information so they can be informed about their decisions, and the Counseling Center is a tremendous partner in that effort.”

The counseling center supports the mission of the University by enabling students to maximize their educational experience through counseling and therapy. The clinic provides support to young men and women by treating the psychiatric, behavioral, and emotional needs of students to support mental wellness, and healthy boundaries that will impact their lives for years to come. Each counselor at the clinic is a licensed, caring mental health professional, trained in supporting mental illness and emotional health, as well as navigating difficult times.

“I think we can all do our part in bringing safety and awareness to our students and always being empathetic. I frequently talk about Title IX and the importance of expressing what to report. Even if a young woman or man is unsure about what are the next steps they can take to feel safe, the Student Counseling Center is here to help,” said Martindale-Orite.

For more information on the Student Counseling Center which is located in Room 129 of the Pendergraft Health Sciences Building, students may call 479-788-7398 or email StudentCounseling@uafs.edu. Walk-ins are accepted, although recommended calling in advance to make an appointment. UAFS students are entitled to eight free counseling sessions at the counseling center each year. 

If you are in an after-hours emergency please call the 24-hour hotline at 1-800-542-1031. The counseling center also offer an after-hours non-crisis Warmline, which is answered locally, at 479-452-6655.

• Tags:
• Title IX
• Counseling