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Lion Support Helps Penn State Students and Families in Times of Need

By Karen Trimbath, Student Affairs Writer

When parents of Penn State students need to contact their children during emergencies, they may feel daunted trying to locate them at a campus as big as University Park. In times of trouble, students often want to talk to a peer. That’s where Lion Support comes in. Lion Support is a 24-hour telephone hotline (814-863-2020) that parents and students can call in times of crisis.

The program is a consistent source of resources, referrals, and information to aid clients in resolving issues and conflicts. Trained staff and student volunteers will listen to the callers’ concerns and quickly provide follow-up action. For instance, sometimes students have to miss class because of illness or an emergency. They can call Lion Support; a staff person will later notify faculty. In a serious emergency, Lion Support staff will be sent to a class to locate a student and bring them to the Office of Student and Family Services for a possible call home.

“Lion Line saves parents from having to make many calls across campus. It also helps students in need of help with personal issues,” says Dr. Arthur Carter, Assistant Vice President  for Student Affairs. “Students have a great deal of confidence talking to their peers. We’re proud of that level of trust.”

Since its inception in 1972, Lion Support’s mission has been to encourage students to become empathetic, responsible and resourceful. It provides educational programs and workshops, professional development and service leadership. It works with Student and Family Services. Loretta Redfurn, assistant director of Student Life, administers the program.

Programs are put on by request and range in topic from stress management to eating disorders. Lion Support also sponsors the "Let's Talk" programs. These programs are designed to create an open forum for discussion on topical issues that are pertinent to this campus and the health of the community. "Fireside Chats" are another type of program that Lion Support sponsors. University administrators and other campus celebrities are invited to talk about who they are and what their role on campus is.

Peer volunteers are recruited in the fall semester only. The selection process includes an application and individual interview. If invited to become a Lion Support member, applicants are required to take a three-credit training course (CNED 304) in the spring semester following the application process.

According to Dr. Carter, the program seeks suggestions from parents on how to enhance its services. Parents may contact Dr. Carter or Ms. Redfurn with suggestions.

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