UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Student and Family Services, a unit of Penn State Student Affairs, has changed its name to Student Care and Advocacy. The new name better reflects the student-focused mission of the office and the support services it provides.

The Student Care and Advocacy office provides Penn State students with the necessary tools and support to make difficult situations more manageable. Situations the office provides support for include the death of an immediate family member, family crisis, mental health concerns, self-injurious behavior, food insecurity, housing insecurity, medical emergencies and hospitalizations, local natural disasters, academic distress and unexpected events or challenges.

Anna Barone was named director of Student Care and Advocacy in March of this year, bringing with her a wealth of student affairs experience. In her role as director, she has been working to increase the visibility and understanding of the services the office provides. The name change is a first step in better communicating the office’s focus.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the Student Care and Advocacy office with questions if they need help supporting a student experiencing any of the above. The office also welcomes referrals from faculty and staff.

Student Care and Advocacy continues to be located in 120 Boucke Building. Faculty, staff and students can contact Student Care and Advocacy at 814-863-2020 or StudentCare@psu.edu. More information can be found on the office’s new website, studentaffairs.psu.edu/studentcare.