Sometimes students are unable to successfully resolve the many challenges they face while at college.  These challenges can seem overwhelming to them and may affect their academic success or their personal relationships.  Students may at times feel stressed and pulled in many directions or completely out of control. As a concerned community member who wishes to support this student, it is difficult to understand what your role is or to have knowledge of the different interventions available.  The Student Well-being Advisory Team (SWAT) assists WSC community members who are striving to help students overcome their challenges and ensure that they do not “fall through the cracks.”

Our Mission Statement:
The Student Well-being Advisory Team (SWAT) supports the work of faculty and staff so that together we may assist students in attaining personal and academic success.  The team uses a developmental approach to assist students in demonstrating:

• greater personal responsibility,
• a stronger sense of connection to the community,
• a commitment to succeeding at Westfield State College, and
• skills and strategies necessary for personal growth and academic success.

The SWAT consists of dedicated and knowledgeable staff members who will work with community members to retain and support students while exemplifying collaboration, mutual support and developmental focus.

Issues that may be brough to the SWAT:

• Students appearing to be depressed
• Students who do not attend class or withdraw from contact with others
• Students displaying disruptive or disturbing behavior
• Students experiencing multiple or serious personal losses or traumas
• Students with persistent academic difficulties
• Students who make threats toward others or themselves
• Students with drug or alcohol problems

IMPORTANT NOTE:  If you believe a student is at imminent risk
of harming him/herself or others, notify Campus Police immediately by calling 911.

Composition of SWAT:
The SWAT includes skilled professionals from a variety of areas within both Academic Affairs and Student Affairs (see list below).

Consulting the SWAT:
If you would like to talk with the Student Well-being Advisory Team, please fill out a SWAT Consultation Request. This form may be obtained online or from the Office of Student Affairs (Ely), the Department of Academic Achievement (Parenzo), or the Registrar (333) and should be returned for review to Tammy Bringaze at the Counseling Center in Lammers Hall. The SWAT team meets weekly to offer consultations. Referrals are accepted from any member of the College community.

If you would like further information about the SWAT, please contact any of these team members:

Tammy Bringaze, SWAT Coordinator...........x5790
Debbie Clifford, Student Affairs..................x5403
Jon Conlogue, Residential Life....................x5402
John Ohotnicky, Registrar........................x8971
Carlton Pickron, Academic Achievement........x5272