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HELP-A-ZIP

Help for students with personal or academic difficulties

College can be stressful for students as they balance academics with life outside of class.

If you are aware of someone in distress, or if you are in need of help, please use this page to let us know. One of our caring student-support professionals will follow up.

NEW! CARES ACT EMERGENCY GRANTS

May 5, 2020

The University of Akron has received federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to distribute as emergency grants to students whose lives and educations have been disrupted by pandemic. See our CARES ACT page to determine whether you are eligible for the funds and if so, how to apply.

UPDATE:

ZipAssist will continue to provide support via web-conference calls and phone. If you are seeking resources, support and/or access to technology during the delivery of online classes, fill out this form.

Campus Cupboard can help with access to food, requests can be made online.

Related:

(3/19/20)

Help for students who are struggling with:

  • academics (missed assignments; poor grades on exams, assignments and projects; repeated absence from class, etc.);
  • mental health (depression, anxiety, substance dependence, etc.);
  • finances (unexpected financial hardship, cost of textbooks, FAFSA, financial account holds, grants/loans, eviction notice); or
  • personal/social adjustment (relationships, social contentedness, roommate compatibility, homesickness, etc.).

I know a student who needs help

I need help

Other sources for assistance

For emergencies

Call the University of Akron Police Department at any hour at 330-972-2911 or 9-1-1.

UA's Counseling and Testing Center is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 330-972-7082.

For sexual misconduct

You have several options:

  • University of Akron Police: Available 24-7 at 330-972-2911.
  • Mike Strong, UA's dean of students and Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students, is the principal resource for students who want to know more about their options and available resources if they’ve been victims of, or involved with, sexual assault or sexual harassment. Mike is trained in all aspects of Title IX, a law designed to ensure gender equity on college campuses. Mike can be reached at 330-972-6048. 
  • The Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties includes seven employees who work directly with UA students. The center provides crisis intervention, support, advocacy and other resources to survivors of sexual assault. The center’s 24-hour hotline is 330-434-RAPE. The center has an office on campus in Room 246 of the Student Recreation & Wellness Center. Call the campus office at 330-972-6328 during normal business hours.

About confidentiality

It is most important for students to know that Mike and the Rape Crisis Center employees are committed to supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence, but they have different responsibilities as it relates to confidentiality when it comes to reporting an incident. 

Here’s what you need to know about how federal and state regulations define reporting responsibilities:

  • Conversations with the Deputy Title IX Coordinator, are kept as confidential as possible, but information about sexual misconduct incidents must be shared with relevant administrators (and in the case of sexual assault, with law enforcement), so that the university can take any action necessary to protect the safety of the campus community and to comply with Ohio’s crime reporting laws.
  • If a person indicates a desire to report a sexual assault to any UA employee, that employee should advise the person about her/his applicable reporting obligations and available confidential resources. A UA employee may have an obligation to report sexual misconduct to law enforcement or a Title IX Coordinator. See more information about reporting obligations.
  • Confidential resources on campus available to sexual assault survivors are licensed counselors at UA’s Counseling and Testing Center (330-972-7082) or licensed health professionals at Student Health Services (330-972-7808). 
  • The team at the Rape Crisis Center are not employees of UA, and do not have the same reporting obligations as University employees. A sexual assault survivor who reaches out to the center can remain anonymous. 

Anyone who has experienced sexual assault does not have to file a formal complaint to receive assistance, but will receive information about all of her/his options to keep themselves and the campus safe. All efforts will be made to respect the privacy wishes of victims of sexual assault; however, the university must balance all requests for privacy/confidentiality with the need to provide a safe learning and working environment for all.

We prepared to help any students through the difficult course of actions that are required to recover from a sexual assault.

Related:

Additional Title IX coordinators who can assist

  1. Jolene Lane, The University of Akron Title IX Coordinator
    Contact for matters related to university sex and/or gender-based offenses.
    330-972-7522
    jolenealane@uakron.edu
  2. Daniel Nicolas, Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees
    330-972-6011
    dnicolas@uakron.edu
  3. Mary Lu Gribshaw, Deputy Title IX coordinator for athletics
    330-972-7080
    marylu@uakron.edu

For behavioral issues

The CARE Team is a University organization that provides guidance and assistance to students who are experiencing crises, displaying odd or unusual behaviors, or are engaging in other behaviors that may be perceived as being harmful (either to the student individually, or to others). CARE stands for Crisis, Assessment, Referral and Evaluation

The CARE Team accepts referrals and responds to students (and their families, faculty, and staff) when concerns for a student’s health, welfare, and safety are identified.

The CARE Team also supports members of the University community who interact with at-risk students by assessing and evaluating situations, communicating with individuals involved or impacted by a student’s behavior, and providing referrals and resources to assist and address behavioral concerns.

Make a CARE Team referral

For health issues

Student Health Services provides health care on campus to enrolled students. Appointments are requested. Call 330-972-7808.

Student Health Services is located in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Suite 260, 382 Carroll St. Akron, OH 44325-1101.

Visit the Health Services website.

Emergencies after hours

When Student Health Services is closed, students needing immediate medical attention for acute illnesses or injuries may seek care at Akron City Hospital or Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Fees for hospital treatment and/or ambulance transport, if needed, are the responsibility of the student.

See healthcare facilities offering evening and weekend hours within the greater Akron community.

Suicide prevention

More than 50 percent of college students admit to having suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives.

Typical reasons for college students to attempt suicide include relief from physical or emotional pain, after a relationship break-up, or due to academic struggles. Suicide is preventable. Get help for you or a friend.

Get help now

About Help-a-Zip

What happens when a Help-a-Zip referral is made?

Direct questions about these services to:

Alison Doehring
Director, ZipAssist

330-972-6467 or aer15@uakron.edu