The often overwhelming demands of university life can wreak havoc on a student's academic performance, but staff at the Centre for Student Development (CSD) help keep shaky emotional well-being intact. Now, with the recent move to the McMaster University Student Centre (MUSC) and the hiring of a new director, CSD is better equipped to help students seeking counseling and other services.

Desmond Pouyat, CSD's new director, says due to the higher student population  and greater willingness to seek help  there will be increased demand for the variety of services CSD offers. This provides an opportunity to work closely with campus and community resources that support students and are wellness-focused.

Currently CSD offers leadership training as well as personal and academic counseling, and services for students with disabilities. ESL programming is also offered. The move from Hamilton Hall to the basement of MUSC puts them in a better position to work more closely with neighbouring campus services such as Student Health Services.

Pouyat, who has an undergraduate degree from McMaster, a master's in social work from Sir Wilfrid Laurier, and a diploma in clinical administration from the Ontario Hospital Association, has worked in mental health-related facilities for a number of years. In addition to being a proud McMaster alumnus, he's also a former assistant clinical professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioural neurosciences.

“The services at McMaster have an excellent reputation, they're really state-of-the-art,” says Pouyat.

Last year, 1,550 students used the personal counseling services alone. Many experience issues including anxiety, relationship difficulties, academic performance, family issues, mood disorders, self-esteem and eating disorders.

“When students seek counseling, it's often because stress is impacting them in a way that they're struggling to cope,” says Pouyat. “We do our best to help them through stressful times and maximize their chances for success.”

But sometimes personal problems are rooted in something more serious, such as a mental health disorder. CSD staff provide mental health counselling and work with students to ensure they're receiving the appropriate care.

They also assess students for learning disabilities as well as other disabilities and work on their behalf with associate deans and faculty to make appropriate accommodations. In early October, CSD will open a new computer lab that will act as a resource for students with learning disabilities. Note-takers and peer helpers also assist with those needs, and the needs of the physically challenged.

CSD has two master's-level employees on-hand to provide academic skills counseling. Students whose first language is not English and are experiencing language barriers can also register for English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.

“Our services are already paid for by each student in their student fees,” says Pouyat. “We're here to help ensure student success, and I really encourage them to take advantage of that.”

For more information about the Centre for Student Development visit csd.mcmaster.ca or phone them at ext. 24711.