ATHENS, Ohio -- In the wake of the recent national events, Ohio University's Counseling and Psychological Services has created a temporary drop-in support center at Baker University Center and expanded the availability of professional counselors to visit with groups of students living in residence halls.

Drop-in support will be offered beginning Thursday, September 13 at noon to 4 p.m. in Baker University Center's Alumni Lounge. Located off the main lobby of Baker Center, the drop-in service will allow students to stop by without an appointment and have informal conversations with Counseling Center staff. Students can meet privately with a staff person and can learn more about services available. This service will continue at the same location and time as long as students need it.

"Oftentimes students don't feel that they need serious counseling, but they would appreciate an opportunity to just talk with a good listener," said Dr. James Gleason, director of Counseling and Psychological Services. "That's what this is about -- just an opportunity for students to stop by and talk about how they are feeling or dealing with the situation."

The center is also making its professional staff available to visit with groups of students in residence halls. Staff will lead discussions and meet with individual students as desired. Residence Life staff or student organization leaders/advisors who would like to schedule a counselor to visit with their group should contact the center at 593-1616.