Student Intervention Services
Supportive, Non-Judgmental, Goal-Oriented
The Student Intervention Specialist (SIS) does not provide direct crisis support to students. If you are a student in urgent need of support please click 24-Hour Supports.
What is a Student Intervention Specialist (SIS)
A Student Intervention Specialist (SIS) takes a leadership role in building the University’s capacity to identify and support students who may be experiencing complex mental health concerns. The specialist serves as a resource and a role model in strengthening the capacity of all University employees to respond quickly and effectively to students who may be displaying disruptive behaviour or are experiencing mental health concerns.
The specialist develops, implements and oversees a series of initiatives designed to enhance resources for faculty, staff and students regarding mental health. This includes knowledge sharing of current research, relevant strategies and best practices. The specialist develops and presents educational events including workshops and presentations on topics related to mental health.
What Services Does SIS Provide to Students?
Student Intervention Services provides a supportive, non-judgmental, goal-oriented relationship with the student to collaboratively develop a service navigation plan while focusing on the student’s goals and individualized needs.
SIS collaboratively works to offer and maintain programs tailored for students including REAL TALK and NUlistens.
Student Intervention Services also provides training opportunities for students.
Case Management Support
Overview
The Student Intervention Specialists (SIS) provide Case Management Support through Student Development and Services. The focus is on establishing supportive, non-judgmental relationships to help students create personalized plans that address individual goals and needs.
Who Can Benefit?
This referral-based service is designed for students facing mental health challenges or minor conduct issues, as well as those dealing with short-term situational challenges (e.g., returning to classes after hospitalization).
Services Offered by the SIS:
- Individual Meetings: Assess needs and set achievable goals.
- Ongoing Follow-Up: Conduct regular check-ins to track progress.
- Referral Services: Connect students to Academic Advising and local mental health resources.
- Collaborative Planning: Work with other professionals to develop a cohesive support plan.
- Advocacy: Represent student needs within the university.
- Transition Assistance: Provide support during transitions to and from university.
- Care Planning Meetings: Participate in on- or off-campus meetings.
- Faculty and Staff Support: Offer guidance to faculty on supporting students with mental health concerns.
Note: Case Management Support is voluntary and does not include crisis support, counselling, or academic advising.
Getting Connected
Referrals can be made by any Nipissing University staff, faculty members or students concerned about a student’s wellbeing, preferably with the student's knowledge. The SIS will reach out to discuss next steps and schedule an initial appointment.
Initial Appointment
During the first meeting, the SIS will:
- Review Consent and Confidentiality Agreements.
- Discuss any current services being received.
- Explore the type of support needed.
Open communication about needs is essential for effective support.
Supportive Relationship
The SIS aims for a goal-oriented, collaborative approach centred on individual needs. The duration of support is flexible and will depend on specific circumstances. The SIS will discuss any changes in support needs to ensure appropriate assistance is provided.
NUlistens
NUlistens is an outreach and prevention program, delivered in partnership between Mental Health & Wellbeing and the Student Intervention Services. NUlistens is the umbrella brand for the mental health outreach and prevention on Nipissing Campus.
Campus Community: NUlistens works towards fostering a supportive campus culture by implementing passive awareness campaigns and provide access to vetted resources including the supporting students folder.
Students: NUlistens engages students in awareness of services and skill building events that are designed around campus needs. This includes initiatives such as REAL TALK.
REAL TALK
REAL TALK is an initiative developed by Nipissing University’s Mental Health & Wellbeing and Lakers athletics.
The Goal: To better integrate mental health awareness in our athletes' lives while developing relationships between athletes and mental health professionals.
All Lakers athletes will receive the safeTALK suicide prevention and awareness training.
Point Person: Each Nipissing Lakers Varsity team will have a designated athlete as the REAL TALK point person for their team. This point person will be identified to their teammates who are encouraged to connect with them if they are struggling and need to discuss and connect available supports.
Coaches: All coaches will complete a comprehensive 2-day Mental Health First Aid - Adults who Interact with Youth Training. This prepares individuals to provide initial support to someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or developing mental health concerns.
By developing relationships we hope to encourage a REAL and safe space that allows for deeper life conversations amongst athletes, coaches and trainers, and Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Workshops and Training
Mental Health & Wellbeing is pleased to offer trainings to students, staff, and community members regarding mental health. These trainings are informative and will build your competencies around mental health concerns. Participants from all programs below will receive a resource book of course content and an official certificate from the developer organization.
- safeTALK
- ASIST
- Small Talk
- Mental Health First Aid
- Looking Forward
Learn more about the workshops and training offered
*If you have a group of ten or more we can arrange a separate training date. Please e-mail us at mhwellbeing@nipissingu.ca.
What Services Does SIS Provide to Faculty and Staff?
Faculty and staff are able to receive training, information on professional development opportunities as well as access to resources through Student Intervention Services.
Student Support Requests are managed by Student Intervention Services, Student Success Coordinator and the Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator. Allowing faculty and staff to voice concerns about students.
NUlisteners
What is NUlistens:
NUlistens is a campus wide prevention and awareness program focused on student’s mental and emotional well-being. Our primary goals are to increase understanding of mental and emotional challenges that students may face during their time at University and to increase their knowledge about support services available.
Who is a NUlistener:
An NUlistener is a faculty or staff member who provides supportive non-judgmental listening to a student and will refer them to appropriate services if needed. All NUlisteners will be identified to students by an office sign and by a list on our website.
Listeners must attend a 1.5 hour in-person orientation session hosted by the NUlistens team. The session will review best practices for supporting a student in distress, where to refer for specific student needs, and what additional support/training is available for NUlisteners.
Training and PD
The NUlistens team is pleased to offer training to students, staff, and community members regarding mental health.
Learn more about the training and PD offered