Updates on the transition of the Center for Student Wellness and Counseling Services from Academic Affairs to Health Affairs, and what the changes mean for students.
You may have read that the Center for Student Wellness and Counseling Services transitioned from Academic Affairs to Health Affairs on July 1. But what does that mean for students? And what’s happening next?
Read on. We’ll break it all down.
Why did the CSWCS move?
No boxes were packed in this transition. Counseling still takes place in the Summa Family Practice suite in the NEW Center behind Ritzman Pharmacy. NEOMED continues to make every effort to ensure that students always have access to confidential student wellness and counseling services — and to fully address their health issues and needs, says Emily Murphy, director of Health Affairs.
The Center for Student Wellness and Counseling staff consists of director Jennifer Dougall, Ph.D., and assistant director Stephanie Orwick, who provide counseling, and program coordinator Dana Whittlesey. “Students need to know that seeing a counselor will not have any impact on their evaluation and grading. This has always been University policy, and with this transition we hope to emphasize it to students,’’ Dr. Dougall says.
The CSWCS will continue to uphold the standard of confidentiality for all students seeking services. No information is or will be shared within or outside of the university about a student seeking supportive services from the CSWCS without a student’s written consent and release of information. And only the immediate staff of the CSWCS have access to this confidential student information, says Dr. Dougall.
What’s changing on November 1?
Beginning November 1, the CSWCS will focus all its efforts on confidential counseling services and wellness education services.
Services have expanded!
- A psychiatrist, Patricia Goetz, M.D., joined NEOMED’s counseling team at the beginning of September.
- The Healthy Minds Survey (used on campuses nationally) will be available to students on Tuesday, Oct. 23. By completing the survey, students can provide NEOMED with more information about what they want and need in our efforts to create a culture of wellness. Watch The Pulse for more information.
What’s staying the same on November 1?
Immunizations record-keeping, immunization clinics and student insurance will continue to be managed by Student Affairs.
What is Health Affairs?
NEOMED’s Division of Health Affairs helps the University develop mutually beneficial partnerships with external organizations – including clinical and university partners. The staff works to advance health professions education and research, as well as health professions clinical and leadership workforce growth and development.
That’s not all. The division also oversees a growing health services portfolio, including the on-campus SOAR student-run free clinic, the student wellness and counseling center, and numerous other community engagement initiatives. The division is led by Elisabeth Young, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine and vice president for Health Affairs, and her team: Joseph Zarconi, M.D., senior associate dean for Health Affairs; Terri Christensen Ph.D., senior associate dean for Strategic Initiatives and Health Affairs; and Emily Murphy, director of Health Affairs.
To reach any member of the CSWCS team, call 330.325.6757. For an urgent mental health crisis, call 330.325.6757 followed by option 2.