INFORMATION FOR

Faculty members know that “effortless perfection” is a myth. Duke students, like students everywhere, feel pressure to succeed, and that pressure can take its toll in many ways. Faculty are uniquely poised to see the struggles students face every day. How to help may not be so clear.

DukeReach was developed to provide a confidential, web-based resource for faculty who recognize students in need of help, but aren’t sure what to do or who to contact to get that help.
   
“DukeReach links faculty who are concerned about a student with the resources that can help that student,” said Assistant Dean of Students Christine Pesetski, who developed the program.

The site, launched just last year, includes a list of warning signs that may indicate a student is in distress, various services available to faculty and students, contact information for these services, and more.

According to Dr. John Blackshear, clinical director of the Academic Resource Center, DukeReach demonstrates the University’s concern for the student’s total development, and helps faculty and administrators work together effectively toward that goal. “Many from the Duke community who contact me with concerns about students often feel that they have blind spots about what resources are available and/or are appropriate given a student’s particular situation,” said Blackshear. The program helps bridge the academic and administrative departments with services provided under the Office of Student Affairs and elsewhere within the university.

Pesetski encourages any faculty member who has reason to be concerned about a student to use the DukeReach resource. “We can only help a student if we know there’s a problem,” she said. “Even if you're not sure, give us a call and we’ll figure it out together.”

Visit http://dukereach.studentaffairs.duke.edu/ for more information, or call 919-668-3853. For a DukeReach Quick Reference Card, contact Christine Pesetski at christine.pesetski@duke.edu or case manager Amy Powell at a.powell@duke.edu.