Mission
University Counseling & Consulting Services (UCCS) supports the teaching, research, and outreach/service missions of the University of Minnesota by offering comprehensive, accessible, flexibly-delivered counseling, consultation, instruction, and testing services within the University and to the Minnesota educational community.
As a unit of Student Affairs, UCCS contributes to the comprehensive education of students, the protection of human rights, and the enhancement of University programs, services, and organizational units. UCCS furthers the disciplines it represents through leadership in appropriate professional organizations and scholarly contributions.
UCCS is committed to meeting the diverse and changing needs of multiple populations while nurturing and supporting the professional growth and ethical conduct of staff; engaging in innovative program development and management; and participating in the University governance system.
Diversity Statement
University Counseling and Consulting Services (UCCS) endorses and abides by the diversity statement of the University of Minnesota which states, in part:
"Consistent with its academic mission and standards, the University of Minnesota is committed to achieving excellence through diversity. As a community of faculty, staff and students engaged in research, scholarship, artistic activity, teaching and learning, or activities that support them, the University fosters an environment that is diverse, humane, and hospitable."
The University shall seek to:
- Provide equal access and opportunity to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, martial status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status or sexual orientation.
- Advocate and practice affirmative action including the use of recruiting and search processes to enhance participation of racial minorities, women, persons with a disability, and Vietnam era veterans.
- Establish and nurture an environment that actively acknowledges and values diversity and is free from sexism and other forms of prejudice, intolerance or harassment, for men and women, faculty, staff, and students from varying racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds, and of varying sexual orientations, as well as people with disabilities.
All interactions within UCCS shall be guided by affirmation of basic human dignity and self-determination. We acknowledge the influence of culture in its broadest sense and provide services that are sensitive to the impact of oppression, prejudice and discrimination. We strive to provide a safe, respectful environment in which clients' experiences and perspectives are regarded with professional competence and caring.
We include issues of diversity in our professional training programs as well as consultation and outreach services to the University community. Our professional publications and presentations reflect our value of diversity by utilizing inclusive language and incorporating examples that mirror a pluralistic society. An internal Diversity Work Group increases appreciation for and sensitivity to diversity among the employees of UCCS.
The affirmation of diversity requires our vigilance and willingness to question our own biases and ourselves. As we challenge ourselves and others to understand and promote diversity, we must communicate our openness to others, strive to understand their perspectives, and be willing to expand our receptivity to differences. We believe that as we become increasingly sensitive to and embrace the differences among us, we strengthen society, contribute to a more inclusive University community and provide a more just and affirmative practice of counseling and mental health.