Counseling

The Student Development Office provides short term counseling assistance for those students who need to share a concern with someone. The counseling relationship is one which gives the students support and assistance. Areas of difficulty or questions which might be considered in counseling include social, academic, and personal issues. The service is, with very limited exceptions, confidential. The counselor will explain those exceptions at the outset, if desired. There is no additional fee for the counseling service.

Ms. Blaire Hickman, LCSW, is on campus each Monday and Thursday from 1:30-4 p.m. to provide assessment/referral and short-term counseling services. Students need to schedule an appointment through the school nurse, Vicki Carroll.

Frontier Health's Crisis Response Team
Frontier Health's Crisis Response Team fields any mental health emergency calls students need to make afterhours. Please call 877.928.9062.

Policy Regarding Suicide Threats/Attempts
In those cases where a student poses a threat of harm to self or the College community, the following measures will be taken to assure the well being of the individual and/or the campus community.

1. In case of emergency, medical assistance will be rendered at local hospitals.

2. At that time, medical/mental evaluation will be conducted by resident professionals associated with the hospital who will recommend a course of immediate action.

3. Before being allowed to attend classes the student will furnish to the College a written evaluation performed by a licensed psychiatrist/psychologist, indicating the emotional and mental stability of the student. The evaluation must be presented to the Dean of Students within five days of the incident. At that time a review committee composed of the evaluating psychiatrist/psychologist, The Dean of Students, a counselor from the College, and the Residence Hall Director (if an on campus student), shall determine the advisability of the student remaining in school. Should the consultation recommend continuation, it must include a program of ongoing counseling service with appropriate professionals. Costs of such services are the responsibility of the student. To continue in school, a dependent student must have a written statement of parental/guardian consent acknowledging awareness of the incident and indicating a desire for the student to continue enrollment.

In addition a Release of Information agreement must be on file with the counselor and the Dean of Students to permit an exchange of information relevant to the student's emotional and physical health. Regular progress reports and confirmation of counseling appointments must be provided until such time as the counselor releases the student from therapy.

Should the initial consultation recommend discontinuation of enrollment at the College, an administrative withdrawal will be imposed and the student must leave campus within 24 hours. Refunds of tuition, room, board, and fees will be made in accordance with the policy as stated in the College catalogue regarding withdrawal due to medical reasons.

Refusal to comply with these guidelines following a threat of harm to self or the College community shall be grounds for immediate dismissal.

Health Clinic

Health services include health and physical assessment, health teaching, health counseling, treatment of minor injuries and problems, and referral to local physicians or other appropriate health care providers. Every case of illness, accident or other medical emergency should be reported at once to the Health Clinic located in Hardin Hall room 101. The clinic is open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.

Students requiring special diets may contact the Food Services Director for the necessary arrangements.

An official policy regarding students diagnosed as being infected with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is on file in the Registrar's Office.

The College recommends all students have basic insurance protection for medical expenses.


The following is a list of medical care alternatives available if the clinic is closed.


WALK-IN CLINICS:

EMERGENCY CARE:

The Emergency Room should be limited to life threatening illnesses or injuries such as broken bones, severe cuts or burns, shortness of breath, chest pain, and any loss of consciousness.