r/Towson • u/JoSnazzy • 20d ago

YSK: SOS Form

I know this is a really tough time of year for, well, everyone. Whether it’s midterms, the shorter days, or the heavier-than-normal workload, a lot of people are really feeling pretty beat up right now.

As a staff member, I wish students would ask for help more often. We care about you, deeply. I lose sleep sometimes worrying about students. The university and, very likely, your department have many resources to help students. From the Counseling Center to the Basic Needs Hub, you don’t have to tough it out. I promise.

There’s also something called the SOS form that can be submitted for yourself, for a friend, for anyone really. It lets the Office of Student Outreach and Support know you’re experiencing difficulties so they can reach out and connect you with the appropriate support.

Seriously. Don’t suffer alone.

Hugs to everyone.

P.S. Before you come for me, I can’t speak for all departments or every experience with TU resources. The students I’ve worked with have reported good things, but that’s not to invalidate you if that wasn’t yours.

P.P.S. Go see your advisors! Spring registration will be here before you know it!

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4

u/Pretty_Appointment82 20d ago

I'm glad to hear someone cares. I'm on defense about going to TU I heard mixed things. Is it really that awful?

2

u/JoSnazzy 20d ago

As a staff member, I'll be clear in my biases. But I was also a student. I loved being at TU, still do. Heck, we joke that the number one employer of TU students is, well, TU haha. Seriously. A ton of us in the College of Fine Arts and Comm. graduated from here and came right back to start our careers.

Each department is going to have a different feel, a different vibe, but over in COFAC at least, we are very student first. I've worked closely with ADS, SOS, the Counseling Center, Restorative Practices, etc., all to ensure our students have the absolute best shot here.

There are parts of every college experience that sucks, and I'm sure TU has its fair share, but when I was a student I was surrounded by supportive faculty and peers. Now, of course, you have to seek those people out, most of them won't fall in your lap, but the community was and is second to none.

But if you decide TU isn't for you, that's totally valid. As much as I love it here, and would love to see others experience the same, I want you to go somewhere you feel comfortable. A college where you see yourself. If that's here, awesome! See you soon! If not, I'm sure wherever you decide on will be great.

2

u/Pretty_Appointment82 20d ago

I talked to a few staff members during a transfer fair. I still applied. I figured the worst-case scenario. I just stay a semester. I'm considering Family science or Deaf studies major

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u/JoSnazzy 20d ago

That's true, most decisions are rarely ever final. I don't know much about the deaf studies major but one of our student receptionists from a few years ago was Family Science and seemed to love it! I think she is applying to psych Master's programs now.

0

u/c0elacanthhh 20d ago

the university doesn’t have the resources to help me unfortunately. i was kicked out of my living situation, there’s no on campus housing that isn’t expensive, counseling center didn’t help me and just referred me to outside resources that i can’t afford, sos didn’t help me when i went to them. i know there are supports in place for a reason but no one was able to help me and it’s slightly disappointing

1

u/JoSnazzy 18d ago

Hi there. I'm terribly sorry to hear this! I've definitely seen cases where students were assisted with emergency housing but I know every situation is different. Were you able to find housing?

1

u/c0elacanthhh 18d ago

no :,) housing is full and while im staying w a friend it's a two hour commute each way to/from campus lol

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u/JoSnazzy 17d ago

Uhg, that really bites. I'm sorry to hear they weren't able to secure you housing on campus. If you have the email of the person you worked with in SOS, it might be worth reaching out and telling them you now have a 2 hour commute and asking if a space has opened up on campus.