Liz Dietrich, Counsellor, Aurora Campus, Inuvik
At Aurora Campus in Inuvik, the learners have access to a student counsellor who is available to help learners deal with personal problems and who provides them with referrals to other services in the community.
The counsellor offers support to the learners in a variety of ways. For learners both in Inuvik and attending community learning centres in the communities, counselling on academic, personal and other issues is provided. Some learners may be trying to decide what program they will apply for, or which direction to take with their studies. Other learners may be in need of personal counselling due to family issues or may have a problem happening that is getting in the way of their academic success. For the learners in the communities, this counselling would take place via telephone.
Learners are reminded that the counsellor is not a magician, but will assist any way that she can or will help them to get connected with someone who might be a greater help. Referrals are made to Family Counselling in Inuvik, medical professionals, Social Services, Legal Services and the Inuvik Food Bank, to name a few. A lot of our learners manage to juggle many things in their life as they return to or continue their studies. Sometimes just having someone to listen or to be a sounding board can be of help.