Resources for Students

The Dean of Students Office is here to help support you with any personal circumstances that may upset your experience at MSUM. Contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation about your success and what we can do to help you achieve your personal or educational goals. We manage student leaves and absences.

Navigating Student Absences & Leaves

Sometimes life happens and a student needs to be away from school, either a short period of time or an extended time. MSUM and the Dean of Students Office seek to support students during those times.

  • Student Bereavement Leave Policy
    Students who have lost a close family member can request up to 5 days of excused absence from school to be with family.
  • Student Absence Policy
    Students may request excused absences through the Dean of Students Office for the following reasons:
    1. Participation in recognized student organization activity;
    2. Short-term military requirements;
    3. Long-term illnesses or family or personal emergencies; or
    4. Jury Duty.
  • Request for Student Leave

Mental Health Emergencies

Conflict Coachingis a one‐on‐one consultation process designed to assess and develop a student’s communication skills and conflict management strategies.

In Conflict Coaching, students can:

  • Get confidential assistance
  • Learn more about their communication and conflict management styles.
  • Develop new options and a strategy for managing their existing conflict.
  • Gain confidence in their own abilities to manage and resolve the conflict knowing that they have someone to support them through the experience.

Who is involved?

  • Student – the individual seeking conflict coaching. 
  • Director –Student Conduct and Resolution, within the Dean of Students Office.

How does it work?

In a typical Conflict Coaching session:

  • Prior to meeting, the student completes a Conflict Style Self‐Assessment.  The student brings this Self‐Assessment with them to the meeting.
  • The Director provides a brief introduction to the process.  Student and Director establish any necessary ground rules and behavioral guidelines, then confirm agreement on the timeframe for the session.
  • The Student describes the conflict as they understand it, with appropriate time and space needed to “tell their story well”.
  • The Director reviews results of the Self‐Assessment with the student and invites reflection on what it was like take the survey, as well as personal reactions to the survey.
  • The conversation then shifts to an exploration of the conflict, informed by the Self‐Assessment, with the objective of identifying optimal next steps to take toward resolving the conflict.
  • The Student (with the Director’s support and coaching) then develops a realistic, achievable plan for how best to proceed.
  • The Director closes the meeting with final questions and reflections from the Student, summarizing the key take‐away points from the meeting. The Student is invited to schedule a follow‐up appointment if they choose.

Togetherall: Free Online Mental Health Support

We are all challenged on a daily basis to stay focused and be hopeful. We can meet these demanding aspects of life by taking steps to create positive mental health. Togetherall is a resource you can use to support your mental health.

Togetherall
Something on your mind? Anonymous. Online Community 24/7. With self-help courses & resources.