When thinking on how to improve counseling for students, head of the counseling department Barb Nelson said the department will now start focusing on who and how many students come into the counseling office.

“We’re not necessarily trying to prove anything, but to have the data back up what we say as well as looking at who we’re serving in terms of student population,” Nelson said. “We’re also trying to focus on issues of racial equity and making sure we service all kids, so we’re just trying to take a lookout for what that would look like for us.”

Nelson said in the future students will be required to check in to the counseling office. But doing so the counseling department will be able to see which students are coming in and utilizing the services.

“Something new that we’re trying for students is to make an appointment time with who you’re seeing by checking off little boxes,” Nelson said. “In another month we’re going to analyze the data and student feedback and find out what it tells us and if we want to keep using the system.”

Junior Ian McIntyre says he frequently visits the counseling office but has mixed emotions about the new changes.

“I really like the counseling office because I always get help when I’m there. However, the new computer system messes up kids,” McIntyre said.

McIntyre said the more comfortable with counseling system a student is the more likely they are to use the counseling office.

“I think it truly (depends on) the students and whether they believe they can discuss their issues,” McIntyre said.