KU Today: Need help? 7 important student resources you should know about
Kansas University is a big place. The university has many offices and departments aimed at supporting students, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to turn if you need help.
Here are a few of the university’s most important offices when it comes to safety, mental and physical health, cultural support and — last but not least — academic help.
KU Office of Public Safety
Website:publicsafety.ku.edu
Address: 1501 Crestline Drive, Suite 120
Phone: 864-5900 (KU Crime Stoppers hotline is 864-8888)
The Office of Public Safety is responsible for the personal safety of KU students, faculty, staff and visitors. Staff includes sworn law enforcement officers, security officers, emergency dispatchers and administrative personnel. The website has daily crime reports, information on campus emergency “Blue Phones” and KU’s Clery Act Annual Security Report.
KU Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access
Website:ioa.ku.edu
Address: Carruth-O’Leary Hall, Room 153A, 1246 W. Campus Road
Phone: 864-6414
The office of IOA upholds and enforces federal and state anti-discrimination laws as well as KU policies and procedures that prohibit discrimination. The IOA investigates discrimination and harassment complaints because of race, color, ethnicity, sex (including complaints of sexual violence), religion, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, retaliation, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information. Sexual assault or other discrimination complaints can be filed on the IOA website, which also has information about sexual consent and a sexual violence survivor’s guide.
KU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Website:caps.ku.edu
Address: Watkins Memorial Health Center, 1200 Schwegler Drive, Room 2100
Phone: 864-2277
CAPS helps students with issues related to adjusting to college and other psychological, interpersonal and family problems. Individual, couple and group counseling sessions are available.
Watkins Health Services
Website:studenthealth.ku.edu
Address: Watkins Memorial Health Center, 1200 Schwegler Drive
Phone: 864-9500
Sick? Injured? Need immunizations or prescriptions? Watkins provides health care services to students and programs that promote the health of the student, university and community. For non-emergency advice, Watkins offers a free, 24/7 Nurse Helpline at 864-9583. Walk-In hours are 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Office of Multicultural Affairs
Website:oma.ku.edu
Address: Sabatini Multicultural Resource Center, 1299 Oread Ave.
Phone: 864-4350
The OMA provides support and services for current and prospective students from historically marginalized, or underrepresented, populations. Programs include advising, tutoring and seminars that enhance the retention and the persistence of students. The OMA also organizes a number of events throughout the year.
Academic Achievement and Access Center
Website: achievement.ku.edu
Address: Strong Hall, Room 22, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Phone: 864-4064
The AAAC can connect you with tutoring services and many other resources to help you succeed in class. Choose from learning strategy consultations, group workshops or general or course-specific academic assistance, by appointment or on a walk-in basis. Resources on the AAAC website include tip sheets on everything from preventing procrastination to memorization techniques.
Student Access Services
Website:access.ku.edu
Address: Strong Hall, Room 22, 1450 Jayhawk Blvd.
Phone: 864-4064
Student Access Services (part of KU’s Academic Achievement and Access Center) works to ensure students with disabilities have the access they need to succeed at KU. Services address physical, medical, sensory, psychological and attention- or learning-related disorders.