UC CECH's Student Services Center adds a new role focused on student social wellness
Introducing Jordyn Freeman, Program Director for Social Services and Wellness
The Student Success Team has expanded to introduce a new role dedicated to enhancing student success and well-being.
The University of Cincinnati's Student Services Center, part of the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH), recently announced the hiring of Jordyn Freeman as program director for Social Services and Wellness. In this newly created role, Freeman will help students access university and community resources, provide a safe space to navigate everyday life, offer educational outreach through relevant programming, and give guidance and coping strategies to meet student needs.
This valuable resource furthers the university and college's commitment to helping students achieve academic success in a secure, supportive environment.
"Students can consider me a professional relative," says Freeman. "I'm here to provide support as they navigate any challenge while cheering them on to succeed as a Bearcat!"
A Few Important Questions
We asked Freeman a few questions so we (and you) can get to know this important CECH resource provider.
What services do you provide as the Program Director for Social Services and Wellness in CECH?
I facilitate students’ access to college, university and community resources, providing follow-up support. I also provide a safe space to support all students beyond academics. I will offer guidance and coping strategies to individual students for various incidents and issues. And I provide educational outreach on wellness awareness and resources through events, workshops and community engagement.
Who should seek out your services?
I'm here to assist all CECH Students in need of support that goes beyond academic support. My role is to support students by providing resources to address any barriers that may interfere with their academic success.
What does the process usually look like for people seeking assistance through your office?
The process is very straightforward. Students can connect with me via my booking link, by walking into the Student Success Center, or by completing a social services/wellness referral form.
What kinds of things do you like to do when you’re not at work?
When I am not working, I enjoy traveling to tropical destinations or spending time with my spouse and two young sons, going to places like museums, parks or dessert spots.
What do you enjoy about your work with students and alumni?
I enjoy connecting with students, learning of their journey, and helping them to discover their “why” while working in the background to alleviate any barriers that may prevent them from achieving their goals.
Easing Common Challenges
Freeman's role is designed to directly impact students in a variety of ways, and she's charged with easing challenges that could otherwise become a barrier to the success of students. A few common scenarios where the Program Director for Social Services and Wellness role could intervene to facilitate positive outcomes include:
- Connecting students who are experiencing food insecurity to on- and off-campus resources
- Assisting students who are having difficulty making friends or are experiencing loneliness
- Supporting students who are experiencing housing instability, such as being at risk of homelessness or living in an unsafe environment
- Exploring scholarships, emergency funding or financial aid options for students who are struggling to pay expenses
- Providing guidance on balancing school, life and stress
- Connecting students who have childcare responsibilities or are caring for an ill family member to family support services or other campus accommodations
- Helping students navigate issues with transportation and parking
Want to chat with Jordyn? Visit her bookings link to schedule a 30-minute appointment to share what's going on, gain some perspective and hear her supportive advice.
Feature photo at top of Jordyn Freeman outside the Teachers-Dyer Complex provided by CECH Marketing.
Jordyn LaShea Freeman
Program Director Academic, CECH Student Services Center
Teachers-Dyer Complex
About the Student Services Center
The Student Services Center in the College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology (CECH) is committed to students through partnerships that promote individual interests and abilities while providing access to academic, career and life plans. Center staff encourages and supports opportunities for self-discovery and continuous learning. Current CECH students can schedule an appointment with an advisor through My Bearcat Network, while prospective CECH students should email to set up an appointment.
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