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

  1. What is the problem/issue?
  2. Brainstorm possible solutions to the problem/issue.
  3. What resources are available on campus?
  4. Ask a trusted friend on campus if they have dealt with something similar and what they did to solve the problem.
  5. Is the answer already available? The Wright State website is a great place to start!
  6. See below for a list of commonly asked questions and their answers.
  7. Determine the possible consequences (positive and negative) to each of the solutions you determined in the previous step.
  8. Try the solution that you believe is best.
  9. If your solution didn't work, try again.
  10. It's okay to ask for help, but trying to solve the problem on your own is a great start!

Common Questions

  • Is there a place I can go to get food (I do not always know where my next meal will come from)?
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.