It may not be Dear Abby.
But students in need of advice and guidance can turn to a different source: ASSIST-ME@umich.edu, an e-mail address linking the University to the Dean of Students and the University ombuds.
Jennifer Walters, University ombuds, helped coordinate ASSIST-ME, mainly for student use.
"The fact is the University is too complicated," Walters said. "It seemed to me there needed to be one place where you can go to with any problem."
Requests for assistance will be handled by staff in the ombuds' and the Dean of Students' offices, who can give advice or take action to help resolve problems, Walters said.
"ASSIST-ME is a way to get hands- on help for a problem," Walters said.
Problems may include health issues, financial aid, administrative and housing questions, Code of Student Conduct violation, and many other concerns, Walters said.
Walters said the goal of ASSIST-ME is to make life easier for students, "rather than send them on a wild-goose chase."
"The goal is for me to be the one to assist you," Walters said. "That way a student can be assured of confidential help."
Walters said that if a student was unsure about taking a higher-level class, she would have access to the student's records in order to have more background information.
"I have the highest level of confidentiality of anyone on campus," Walters said.
Walters admits that e-mail may not be completely secure.
"Anonymity cannot be maintained over e-mail," Walters said. "I hope first contact is made over e-mail and confidential matters will be handled by phone or in person."
Though the program has been in existence since November, many students had not heard of ASSIST-ME.
LSA first-year student Jennifer Schader said she didn't know she could access the Dean of Students' Office through e-mail.
"I have never heard of ASSIST-ME before," Schader said. "It sounds like a really efficient way of getting help."
Walters said there has been a disappointing number of inquiries about the e-mail program - mainly because most students are unaware of the resources available.
"(It will) build over time," Walters said. "It will (soon) be included in orientation."
ASSIST-ME hasn't only been used by students, however. Walters said professors have made inquiries about where to direct a student who has a problem.
"Many professors felt they did not know where to send a student," Walters said. "This is a streamline to help at the University the best we can."
Engineering first-year student Jason Taylor was impressed with this student resource.
"I think it is a good effort by the University to promote more student outreach services," Taylor said.
Students and faculty in need can also reach the Dean of Students' Office and the ombuds by calling 764-7420.
JOHN KRAFT/Daily
Jennifer Walters, the University ombuds, coordinates the service ASSIST-ME. Students can send questions and concerns to ASSIST-ME@umich.edu and receive a response with suggestions.