Rights and responsibilities of students using the University's counseling services

I. RIGHTS

Self-referral for Counseling and Psychological Support Services

All active students (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral) of the University have the 
opportunity to receive free counseling services from the Student Development Center. The 
interested student is encouraged to express interest in counseling services online
(Click here), either by calling 25002411 or sending an email to 
counseling@cut.ac.cy. The purpose of the initial meeting is to make a trace of the topic 
presented, and to plan how the consulting services will be provided, the goals and the 
cooperation, and / or referral to another service.

Initial Meeting

The purpose of the initial meeting is to make an acquaintance with the counselor so that a relationship 
is achieved and a bond is formed. At the same time, some basic information is received about the student 
with whom the collaboration will take place in order to create a plan of collaboration so that the best 
possible result is achieved. The Student Development Center does its best to serve requests promptly, 
howver, it is possible that during peak times, there might be a short waiting list. In cases of crisis 
management, the appropriate interventions are made by the Center, in a shorter period of time.

Safe Space 

The Student Development Center respects, and recognizes the need for a safe space and thus 
maintains stability in pre-arranged meetings. In cases where there is a need to change the 
appointment, you will be informed on time. Meetings with the counselor are based on 
understanding, empathy, active listening and implementing effective interventions.

Confidentiality

All services provided by the Counseling Center of the Center of Student Development follow rules of confidentiality. The staff of the Center of Student Development cannot exchange any personal information concerning any of the students who receive services, to third parties (parents, friends, academic staff), without their personal written consent. Even in cases where someone would like to provide their written consent for the disclosure of information to another person, they ALWAYS have the right to withdraw it.

Exceptions in Confidentiality

In very rare cases where a college student who receives services, has been evaluated as being a risk for their safety or that of others, or if it has been reported that a third person is under risk or vulnerability, the Center’s staff has a legal obligation to share some information, with or without the person’s consent as a way to ensure the safety of anyone who might be in danger.

The exceptions are described as follow:

1. If there are clear and serious indications, that someone’s life or safety is jeopardized (either this is a person who receives services from the Center or is a person indirectly connected to the Center in any other way). In these cases, the Center is legally obliged to act in an appropriate manner so that he/she ensures the safety of the person.
2.  If there are indications or reports about an ongoing abuse or neglect of a minor, an elderly, or a disabled person. In these cases, the Center is legally obliged to act accordingly so that it informs the competent authorities for the protection of the person who is under vulnerability.
3. If a subpoena is issued (court order), that obligates the Center’s staff to provide information from their records and/or is called to present information from the Center’s files in court.

It is very important to note that these cases are EXTREMELY RARE. Prior to any action, the Center will inform any involved individual and will attempt in any possible way to receive their consent, to discuss with them every possible action that they will proceed to and will ONLY share information that is absolutely necessary.

I. RESPONSIBILITIES

Participation

It is expected that the person receiving support will be actively involved in the process, as 
this is indicative of the course and progress of the issues one is facing. Meetings typically 
last 45-60 minutes and for better functionality, punctuality on arrival time is very important. 
In case of a cancellation, the student is expected to inform at least 24 hours in advance either by phone 
or by email. If you do not notify the staff, the Center has the right to reach out to you. If there are three 
(3) consecutive no shows, the need for the counseling services will be reevaluated.