Self Advocacy
On this page:
Overview
Knowing how to advocate for yourself is a critical skill to learn in order to have a successful college career. Self-advocacy means to represent your own beliefs and needs. As a college student, there will be many times where you will need to represent your own beliefs and needs: struggling with a class, conflict with another person, etc.). Therefore, before asking for help in every one of these situations right away, try to self-advocate first.
The Problem Solving Steps
- What is the problem/issue?
- Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem/issue.
- What resources are available on campus?
- Ask a trusted friend on campus if they have dealt with something similar and what they did to solve the problem.
- Is the answer already available? The Wright State website is a great place to start!
- See below for a list of commonly asked questions and their answers.
- Determine the possible consequences (positive and negative) to each of the solutions you determined in the previous step.
- Try the solution that you believe is best.
- If your solution didn't work, try again.
- It's okay to ask for help, but trying to solve the problem on your own is a great start!
Common Questions
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Is there a place I can go to get food (I do not always know where my next meal will come from)?
- Raider Food Pantry
- Dayton Food Bank
- Call #211 (United Way)
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I am about to be evicted from my house/apartment because I cannot pay the mortgage/rent. What should I do?
Speak with the Student Legal Services department.
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I am about to be homeless due to a safety issue or conflict. What should I do?
Speak with someone in the Student Advocacy and Wellness Office.
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I am having feelings that concern me (depression, anxiety, hopelessness, etc.). Where can I go for help?
The Counseling and Wellness Office is an excellent resource available to Wright State students.
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I think I might be experiencing Stalking/harassment/sexual assault/rape/domestic violence, or an overall unhealthy relationship. Who can I talk to?
The Survivor Advocate is a confidential resource.
