Peer Helpers
Established in early 2004, Peer Helpers is an organization of about 20 Wittenberg students who help their peers work through problems involving such things as relationships, school, stress, racial issues or parents’ divorce. The organization was created for students who are often more comfortable discussing problems they are experiencing with friends rather than with faculty or counselors. Bob White, the Director of Peer Helpers as well as Church Relations, assures students that confidentiality is essential – names are disclosed only under three circumstances: if the person is being hurt, if the person is a threat to harming him/herself, or if the person is a threat to harming another.

Faculty, staff and other students can recommend candidates who possess the qualities of a Peer Helper. After recommendations have been made, students complete an application and interview process before final decisions are made. Those students chosen to be Peer Helpers must complete a three-day training session in which they go through ten 2-hour training conferences to acquire skills for questioning and listening in order to help other students.

MISSION STATEMENT: “ONE FRIEND, ONE PERSON WHO IS TRULY UNDERSTANDING, WHO TAKES THE TROUBLE TO LISTEN TO US AS WE CONSIDER OUR PROBLEMS, CAN CHANGE OUR WHOLE OUTLOOK ON THE WORLD” ~ ELTON MAYO

WittPath Career Services

The mission of the Wittenberg Career Services staff is to provide personalized services that help students thoughtfully consider their options for a major and how that major leads to a meaningful and rewarding career or vocation. Our goal is to teach students the lifelong skills required to make the many vocational transitions that lie before them.

WittPath Goals:

• Provide individual career consulting to assist students in understanding the relationship of their VALUES, INTERESTS, PERSONALITY, ABILITIES AND SENSE OF VOCATION to a changing work world.
• Guide students through creating personalized four-year plans to help them make the most of their Wittenberg experience and to maximize their career potential.
• Direct students to experiential learning resources related to their goals, including summer jobs, volunteer work, internships, and special study programs.
• Provide services to seniors to assist them in making the transition from Wittenberg University to graduate/professional schools or the world of work.
• Maintain a network of Wittenberg alumni, parents and friends to advise and provide contacts for students and alumni in a wide range of career fields.

Health & Wellness Services

Health services are available at the Health and Wellness Center, in 003 Shouvlin Center. Medical evaluations performed by the physician or nurses are free because they are pre-paid through the student health fee. There will be charges incurred for injections, procedures, medical supplies or lab tests as ordered by the physician. A full range of general medical care is provided at the Health and Wellness Center including gynecological exams, immunizations, lab tests, allergy shots, minor surgical procedures, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted disease testing and contraceptive consultations, diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic illness or conditions, and emotional disturbances. Students may see the physician by scheduling an appointment (327 7811) or walk in. Registered nurses are available 9 hours a day Monday through Friday to assess illness and injury. Urgent needs for services will be given top priority. After normal operating hours, medical or mental health services can be accessed through Mercy Medical Center or the University operator.

Counseling Services

The University Counseling Service is located in the Health and Wellness Center in Room 003 Shouvlin Center. Appointments can be made by stopping by or calling the Counseling Service at 327-7811. All registered full time traditional Wittenberg students are eligible for the services. Talking with a counselor can help define problems in such a manner that new ways of coping become apparent. Brief focused assessment therapy is offered for students requiring care beyond the resources on campus, a referral is made to counselors or agencies in the community. Every effort is made to maintain the confidential nature of the counseling contact. Because it is vital to counseling effectiveness that a person may talk openly and freely about concerns, information is not shared except upon the written request of the student. Exceptions are made only when life- threatening situations occur.

Special Programs: Specialized programs on topics such as test anxiety reduction, stress management, assertiveness training, depression, goal-setting, decision-making, and co-dependency are provided as requested to assist students in overcoming personal, interpersonal, and educational skill deficiencies.

Linda M. Lauffenburger, M.S., L.S.W., L.I.C.D.C., Director of Counseling Services