What is SOS?

A unique service on the ACU Campus, designed to support and connect students with our campus resources.

More specifically, we are a referral program.  Faculty, staff, parents and peers can refer a struggling student on our campus via our online referral form.  Referrals are commonly related to: personal, academic and career/major choice issues.

SOS creates a unique opportunity for everyone involved with the ACU Campus to be a partner in care for our students in need.

Who can use SOS?

Anyone concerned about a student on the ACU campus! 

SOS is available to all faculty, staff, students, and parents.

Note: We make every attempt to reach out to your struggling student; however the student may reject our assistance.  We cannot require students to meet with us.  The best results are when faculty/staff, parents and peers partner with us to reach out to the student.

Why should I use SOS?

We believe it is everyone's duty to partner in caring for ACU's students.  You are on the frontlines and your eyes/ears can help identify a struggling student before it's too late!

"Be shepherds of God's flock that are under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve."  - 1 Peter 5:2 (NIV)

When should I use SOS?

As soon as you realize a student is struggling.  The sooner we are able to intervene, the more likely it is we are able to help the student be most successful!

What are some warning signs?

Unusual behavior

Significant changes in personal relationships

Drug/alcohol use or abuse

Academic struggles

Personal or roommate issues

Career/major choice indecision or difficulties

How do I use SOS?

The best way to refer a student is to use our secure and confidential online referral form: SOS Referral Form 

Faculty and Staff can always access the SOS Referral Form online by visiting the Technology tab on myACU.  The referral form is located under the "Quicklinks" section.

What's the process?

When we receive your referral, we:

1. Contact the student via email or telephone to set up an individual meeting.
2. Review the student's situation with him/her and make the necessary recommendations to resources on campus.
3. If it is an academic issue, we may send an academic audit email to his/her teachers.  This helps us get a performance and attendance evaluation of the student.
4. Follow-up with the student to ensure they have been helped and that they have contacted the necessary resources.
5. Per your request, the counselor will report feedback of our ability to contact and meet with the student. Information will be limited and in general terms as to protect the confidentiality of the student.
6. Please remember, some students are resistant to the idea of receiving assistance.  If the student chooses to refuse our assistance, we cannot require them to meet with us. 
7. Please be assured that we make every effort to reach out to your struggling student, but in the end it is their decision to receive our assistance.