Office of Student Advocacy and Well-being

Office of Student Advocacy and Well-being
Speare Building Updated 2025

 

The Office of Student Advocacy and Well-being (OSAW) provides Plymouth State University students with professional and peer support, advocacy, resource navigation, and guidance.

The OSAW is a warm, inclusive space where students can find support, build community, and feel a sense of belonging. Whether you're seeking connection or simply need a quiet space to relax and recharge, the "OSAW Zen Den" offers a peaceful environment to relax and restore. In addition, the OSAW hosts a variety of weekly well-being, empowerment, and connection groups designed to foster resilience and help PSU students thrive. Through the hard work of our PEMI Ambassadors and through deep and committed campus community partnerships, the OSAW coordinates and implements holistic campus-wide prevention and empowerment efforts.  Come check us out in Speare 202!

 

 

 

The Office of Student Advocacy and Well-being (OSAW): Our Innovative Approach

OSAW Logo

We know that college, especially the transition into college, can be difficult at times. Our goal is to help you through those difficult times. Whether you need professional advocacy for those more complicated issues, peer support/mentorship, social connection, or connection to campus and community resources, we will be there for you. Our integrated approach houses everything, from the prevention of social, behavioral, and mental health challenges to responsive and collaborative support and intervention, and everything in between, within one office. Through the hard work of our trained, committed, and kind PEMI Ambassadors, and our deep connections with our Campus and Community Partners, we work to make access to this connection, support, and advocacy accessible and barrier free. 

How we will serve you

Student posing for a photo, smiling.

The OSAW is dedicated to supporting your well-being, growth, and success, in a welcoming and caring atmosphere. Our role is to assist and support you in achieving your academic and personal goals. We also serve in an advocacy role and will hear your concerns and help you understand the policies and procedures of PSU in order to advance resolution of your concerns and/or refer you to appropriate services.

 

IMPORTANT:

If you believe that you or someone else is in imminent danger, please call 911 immediately. 

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis during normal business hours, please contact the PSU Counseling Center front desk: 1-603-535-2461

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or crisis after normal business hours, please contact one of the following:

  • If you are located in the Plymouth, NH area:
    • NH Rapid Response/Lakes Region Mental Health Center: 1-833-710-6477 or 1-603-524-1100 (option 9)
    • Speare Memorial Hospital Emergency Room: 1-603-536-1120
    • University Police: (603) 535-2330 or 911
  • If you are not located in the Plymouth, NH area:
    • NH Rapid Response: 1-833-710-6477 (if in New Hampshire)
    • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 (call or text)
    • Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741741
    • SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Hotline: 1-800-985-5990 (call or text)
    • Local Emergency Room
    • 911  
 

Connect with us!

If you are interested in any of the services we provide, or would like to partner with OSAW, please come by Speare 202! Or you can reach out to the OSAW via:

E-mail: matthew.toms@plymouth.edu

Phone: 603-535-2405

FOLLOW US! INSTAGRAM: @PSUOSAW