University of North Carolina, Wilmington issued the following announcement on Oct. 15.
As we close out another busy week, we wanted to take a moment today to reach out to you, to tell you that we see you. We see how hard you are learning, researching, teaching and working, and we understand how challenging it can be at times to keep up with everything you are managing day in and day out. Please remember that you are part of a caring community at UNCW. We look out for each other, we support each other, and we give each other patience and grace. These values remain important as we continue to navigate the ongoing pandemic.
Recent events in North Carolina and beyond have focused a spotlight on three critical issues that directly impact the lives of all Seahawks: mental health awareness, food insecurity and public safety. We want you to be aware of the variety of resources available to assist our Seahawk community. Please keep reading to learn more.
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES and RESOURCES AT UNCW
We collectively encourage all Seahawks to make use of these resources, no matter your situation. No issue is too big or too small, or unimportant. The resources highlighted below are only one call, one stop-in, or one email away from providing you with caring support. In recognition of the growth of our student body and much-needed increased awareness of mental health needs globally, Student Affairs has funded two new counseling positions and provided additional resources to the Counseling Center staff.
University Counseling Center a resource for students
Located in DePaolo Hall (2nd floor) and open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Students seeking support can access the Counseling Center by contacting 910.962.3746 to request an appointment. Also offered are walk-in services, no appointment needed, for urgent or crisis situations. Students in crisis after hours can call 910.962.3746, follow the voice message prompts and speak with an on-call counselor. Information about referral appointments, meeting with an off-campus provider or other inquiries can be found on the website.
The Counseling Center also provides consultations to faculty, administrators and departments concerning student mental health needs. Please call 910.962.3746.
UCC Referral Service a resource for students, faculty and all staff
This service provides information about mental health referral resources available in the Wilmington community. Here, you can find information about various off-campus providers, including both therapists and psychiatrists. Please utilize this database to find off-campus services if you want longer-term treatment, specialized services or psychological testing; if you prefer an off-campus provider; or if you are not eligible to receive Counseling Center services. The database was designed to help match your mental health needs and preferences with viable community providers.
Employee Assistance Program a resource for permanent employees
The university has contracted with ComPsych EAP Services to provide the following services and assistance: confidential employee and family member assessments and self-referrals, management consultations and referral services, fitness-for-duty evaluations and support, crisis intervention services, case monitoring, and a broad range of web-based resources. These EAP services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Any UNCW permanent employee, or their dependents, can use the EAP services.
FOOD INSECURITY AND HUNGER RELIEF SERVICES and RESOURCES
According to a 2019 survey by the Hope Center, nearly four out of every 10 students at two- and four-year colleges in the U.S. experienced food insecurity in the last 30 days. The Division of Student Affairs provides the following for UNCW students.
Hawk’s Harvest Food Pantry
In partnership with the UNCW Catholic Campus Ministry and the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, UNCW students have access to free food at Catholic Campus Ministry’s Newman Center (on the corner of Racine Drive and College Acres Drive) Thursdays from 3 - 5:15 p.m.
Swipes for Seahawks
Students experiencing food insecurity may also apply for access to campus dining meals through the Swipes for Seahawks program. Students with emergency food needs may also contact the Office of the Dean of Students for immediate assistance.
Coming Soon! Hawk’s Harvest Food Pantry #2
The Division of Student Affairs is pleased to announce the launch of a second Hawk’s Harvest Food Pantry coming in January 2022! It will be located in Fisher University Union (1st floor). Keep an eye out for upcoming information regarding the new pantry’s evening and weekend hours, and details on how faculty and staff can donate food items.
CAMPUS SAFETY SERVICES and RESOURCES
Whether you are conducting your schoolwork online, in person or a combination of the two, we advise you to always be aware of your surroundings. Below are two resources in particular that will help all Seahawks do just that. Note: If you are on-campus and find yourself in a potentially threatening situation with a stranger or fellow Seahawk, please call 910.962.2222 and an officer will be dispatched to your location immediately. For emergencies, call 911 right away.
LiveSafe App a resource for students, faculty and all staff
As part of UNCW’s continuous commitment to enhancing campus safety, the UNCW Police Department has spearheaded a partnership with LiveSafe, a safety app that empowers both individuals and communities. Visit the LiveSafe webpage to download the app if you haven’t already. Some of the app’s main features include:
- Report Tips: Submit tips related to safety concerns. Attach photo, video or audio file (anonymously if you choose).
- Safety Map: See where you are in relation to campus buildings, the University Police Department and call boxes.
- SafeWalk: Feel safer walking with SafeWalk, a peer-to-peer virtual escort tool.
- Quick Access: UNCW resources, such as phone numbers, website addresses, essential safety information and emergency procedures all at your fingertips.
The UNCW Police Department is dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment within which students, faculty, and staff can live, learn and work. Located on the East side of campus (on Lionfish Drive), the department is open 24 hours a day. You will see police officers patrol the campus 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Please do not hesitate to speak with an officer or contact the department if in need. Explore the website for more details on other services and resources available to the UNCW community.
- Emergency: Dial 911 from any UNCW extension, including courtesy phones
- Non-Emergency:962.2222
- Email: police@uncw.edu
Lowell K. Davis, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Robby Fensom, SGA President
James Winebrake, Ph.D., Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Original source can be found here.
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