There is usually a long wait list for counseling services at Transylvania University, and this long wait, despite the reason, may be keeping students in need of mental health services in line to wait.
According to Kathy Susman, Coordinator of Counseling Services, in an email interview, last year “the counseling center provided services to approximately 18% of enrolled students.”
There are two counselors that work full-time at Transy, and work is being done to hire an additional part-time counselor. This may seem like plenty of counselors for a small college like Transy, but this fact in itself may somewhat explain why there tends to be such a long wait for these students: a counseling center that is understaffed.
This may seem like plenty of counselors for a small college like Transy, but this fact in itself may somewhat explain why there tends to be such a long wait for these students: a counseling center that is under-staffed.
Erinn Foglesong, the Health, Wellness, and Counseling Services Administrative Assistant, works in the counseling office and sees firsthand the people who come in for counseling. In an email interview she says that the average wait time can range from “no wait” to possibly “several weeks.” The wait may be longer at some times than others.
“Counseling requests seem to increase as stress builds throughout each semester,” said Foglesong.
Foglesong added that a student will be moved up on the wait list, or possibly seen immediately, if their need becomes “urgent.” It is clear why these urgent needs, like someone becoming suicidal, should be seen sooner than later. However, what does this do to all of the other students’ mental health while they are stuck on the waiting list?
When students are placed on the waiting list, they may be given information for some of the various community resources that they could take advantage of in the meantime. Not everyone would have the ability to drive out into the community to find other means of help, though, whether this be due to the lack of a car or an extremely busy schedule. This still leaves the question of what students in general who get stuck on the wait list are supposed to do until they can be seen.
In the case of one student, who would prefer to remain anonymous, it took over two weeks before they were able to be seen for their “rough patch,” and by that point, counseling services were no longer needed.
In the case of one student, who would prefer to remain anonymous, it took over two weeks before they were able to be seen for their “rough patch,” and by that point, counseling services were no longer needed.
However, the student says, “I think it says something about our counseling center that so many people are wanting to go and are comfortable enough to try to seek out help.” They hope that the counseling center can “expand the health and wellness staff in order to accommodate all of its students.”
Susman explains that there are some new measurements being put into place in order to combat the long wait list situation, such as a “triage system” and a better scheduling system. She also says that students should make “mental health a priority,” whether this means scheduling an appointment with one of Transy’s counselors or with some other type of counselor within the community.
Tom Martin Intro
The coincidence of Wednesday, September 7 could not have been more timely. On that day, the129-year old Newspaper Association of America eliminated “Newspaper” from its title and became the News Media Alliance. It was also the day of my first meeting with the 2016-17 staff of The Rambler.
It’s only fitting that in such a pivotal and historic moment for the news industry, relevant changes have come to The Rambler, including my arrival as Transy’s new Student Media Advisor.
But before I share some details of those changes, allow me to introduce myself.
I’m a native of Morehead and was a communications major at Morehead State University when opportunity struck and I began a lifelong career in broadcast, print and online news. High points have included serving as a member of the founding staff of Associated Press Radio Network News in Washington, D.C., as well as the founding staff of RKO Radio Network News, ABC Radio Network News and WABC News in New York. I was the founding Editor in Chief of Business Lexington and am now a columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader with a companion feature airing on WEKU, and co-publisher of the online cultural affairs magazine UnderMain (under-main.com)
Amazing changes in media have taken place during those years, ranging from the invention of FM radio to the arrival of digital technology. But nothing compares to the paradigm shift occurring today as Transy students prepare to make their way in this world.
The Newspaper Association of America had until Sept. 7 admitted only those organizations with print components. The change in title signifies recognition that professional, digital-only news is here to stay.
Fittingly, the Rambler has transitioned from a campus newspaper to a campus news and information organization. The newspaper is moving to a bi-weekly print schedule to enable more emphasis on its online presence. In fact, there now will be not one but two Rambler websites. transyrambler.com will remain the familiar “go to” resource for news and information about what’s happening on campus and in the surrounding community, while ramblerextra.com (now under construction) will serve as a multi-media platform for video, podcasts, and photography.
I’m looking forward to leading training sessions on topics ranging from newsroom ethical dilemmas and First Amendment challenges to coverage selection, interviewing technique, and fact-checking. And we’ll host special guests, experts in various forms of media, to share their perspectives.
Under the very capable leadership of Editor in Chief Megan Graft and Managing Editor Madison Crader, our staff includes News Editor Jennifer Pinto, Creative Director Tyler Lega, Campus life editor Aaron Martin, Opinion editor Tristan Reynolds and A&E editor Christopher Perez.
If you are interested in becoming a content contributor, contact Megan at mjgraft18@transy.edu or me at tmartin@transy.edu.
Feel welcome to drop by. The Rambler newsroom is now located in Forrer room 042, adjacent to the lobby.