The University of Tulsa’s top priority is the health and wellbeing of its students. Whether offering academic accommodations, mental health counseling, or career prep, the university is committed to helping students take care of themselves, thus enabling them to excel academically.
UTulsa’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides clinical services to all students on and off campus. The licensed clinical professionals at CAPS are trained to help college students adjust to the changes and transitions of college life through individual and group in-person counseling sessions. CAPS also offers an extensive list of resources for anxiety, eating disorders, sleep disturbance, and substance abuse through the Self-Help Collection featured on its website.
Under the CAPS umbrella is CaneCares, a simple online tool that allows students to communicate concerns and observations they want to share about a friend, neighbor or community. These reports are sent to UTulsa staff members who are trained to assist and are designed as a convenient way to ensure that all students are receiving the assistance they may need.
CAPS has also partnered with TimelyCare, an app that students can download and access to directly from their mobile phone. Among other features, TimelyCare offers students convenient 24/7 crisis support for physical and mental health issues by connecting them directly with trained professionals through video or phone calls.
“This fall, thousands of students have arrived to usher in a new chapter of life,” said Michael Woolridge, director of CAPS. “As students adjust to their new environment and strive for success, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, more than 80% will feel overwhelmed by the tasks they need to complete. Despite a growing awareness of mental health challenges, the stigma concerning mental health support continues to impact students who fail to seek the support they so desperately need. We want students to know that these resources are here for them and we are here to help them succeed.”
UTulsa’s Student Access Office, led by Director Cathy Sparling, Ph.D., assists students in providing an accessible environment on campus – such as access in academics, housing, or dining – which maximizes their independence for full participation in the university’s curriculum and campus life. Student access can take on a variety of forms. Access needs can be support for temporary injuries (broken bones, car accidents, concussions, etc.), health and financial hardships, death of a loved one, and registration of diagnoses and ongoing conditions, including the implementation of accommodations.
Student Access includes a range of accommodations for students, including alternative testing, notetaking assistance, and housing and meal plan assistance.
Students seeking accommodations are encouraged to reach out via phone or email or by scheduling an appointment. After meeting with a member of the Student Access team, students will need to provide the necessary documentation and fill out an application. If approved, students will receive an eligibility letter and, with their Student Access advocate, begin the implementation process.
Positive outcomes on campus are often due in no small part to the peer mentors, who fall under Dean of Students Matt Ingram, and student success coaches, who report to Christina Carter, Ph.D., and are assigned to every undergraduate who enrolls at UTulsa.
Beyond commencement, students are seeking fulfilling jobs and placement in quality graduate programs. CaneCareers and the Job Placement Guarantee offer guidance and preparation activities to ensure students are ready for whatever comes next.
Any way you look at it, The University of Tulsa surrounds students with the best possible resources to stay at the top of their game mentally and emotionally.