Mental Health

Suicide Information and Factors

The Central Texas College Police Department, Division of Security Services, in conjunction with the Central Texas College District’s staff, faculty and administration are able to assist students who are, for many reasons, struggling in dealing with campus life. If you or someone you know is at risk, and for information on suicide facts and prevention contact the office of the Campus Police 254-526-1427 or the Wellness and Counseling Services on Central Campus at 254-501-3096 or 254-526-1166.

Central Texas College District recognizes that in some cases a student’s ability to function on Campus may be impaired as a result of serious mental and/or emotional health issues. In instances where students are a danger to themselves or others, unable to meet basic functioning expectations, or are disruptive to the normal operation of the College, the College reserves the right to take immediate action to protect the individual, others and to ensure the Campus is not adversely affected.

Issues to be considered as serious mental and/or emotional health issues include, but are not limited to:

• Suicidal ideation/attempt
• Homicidal ideation/attempt
• Self-abusive behavior (cutting, burning, etc.)
• Abuse of alcohol or other drugs
• Eating disorder
• Serious disruptive or dangerous behavior
• Inability to care for self or meet basic responsibilities
• Major depression

In situations where serious mental and/or emotional health issues arise, analysis and review of the seriousness of the situation will be taken to determine appropriate action as needed. Support, in the manner of on campus counseling, referral to off campus counseling and academic support such as tutoring, along with other methods may be offered to assist the student. Family, or the individuals listed as emergency contact for the student, may be contacted if the College believes doing so is in the best interest of the student.

On Campus Counseling

On Central Campus, mental health counseling is available, at no cost, through the Wellness and Counseling Services. Students may make appointments with Wellness and Counseling Services directly by calling 254-501-3096 or 254-526-1166 and can meet in person or virtually with our counselors. Student Life will also refer students to them as needed. Wellness and Counseling Services affords ongoing oversight of student’s ability to function safely and effectively in the college environment. As a condition of continued enrollment, the student’s referred by Student Life will be required to comply with all recommendations and scheduled meetings with Wellness and Counseling Services.

Mandated Off-Campus Assessment

The student may be required to complete a comprehensive assessment with an off-campus treatment provider. The purpose of the assessment is to determine the student’s competency to function safely and effectively in the college environment. As a condition of continued enrollment, the student may be required to comply with all recommendations of the assessment and requirements set by the college. The student will be responsible for all costs associated with the assessment and recommendations. A student required to complete an assessment and recommendations may, at the discretion of the College, be prohibited from being on campus, in college housing, and/or attending classes until such time that the assessment and recommendations are completed, and have been reviewed by Central Texas College.

Removal from College Housing

All students living in College Housing must be able to provide for their own personal care. In situations where it is believed that the student’s level of functioning is sufficiently impaired, the student may be removed from College Housing. This action can be short term (e.g. until a formal assessment is completed) or for a longer duration, depending on individual circumstances. Appeals shall be directed to the Dean for Student Success. Any refund of housing costs will be recommended by the Dean of Student Success and approved by the Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Success on a case by case basis.

Emergency Withdrawal or Medical Leave of Absence

The College reserves the right to immediately withdraw a student from the College. Such action will be taken when a student demonstrates the inability to continue as a student or presents an immediate danger to self or others, or significant disruption of Campus operations. Such action will be the responsibility of the Dean of Student Success or Campus Dean depending on whether the presenting issue is related to the disciplinary and/or academic status of the student. (See Student Code of Conduct: Emergency Procedures)

After an emergency withdrawal or medical leave of absence, an evaluation from an appropriate, treating healthcare provider supporting the student’s return is required and must be submitted to the Dean for Student Success and to the Director of Student Life, or Campus Dean prior to the student being reinstated in college. Such evaluation shall include written documentation from the attending mental healthcare provider substantiating competency to return to the demands of the College environment, to include coursework, campus life, and campus housing as appropriate, and documentation setting forth whether follow up with the psychologist/psychiatrist or other health care provider is required. On Central Campus, the student will be required to attend one or more re-enrollment meetings with the Director of Student Life and with Wellness and Counseling Services prior to returning. For other Campuses, the student will be required to meet with the designated Campus administrator prior to returning.

Students may not return to Campus without appropriate documentation from a qualified health care provider or as required by the College and full participation in all re-enrollment meetings.

Should the physician’s documentation not be sufficient and the Dean does not allow re-enrollment, the student may appeal this decision to the Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Success, whose decision is final.

Disciplinary Action

Although the primary purpose of this policy is to address and support the mental and emotional health needs of students, at times the behaviors exhibited may also be violations of College Policy. The College reserves the right to adjudicate such Policy violations through the established adjudicating bodies of the College. See the Central Texas College District Student Code of Conduct herein for more information on rule violations, disciplinary actions and the appeal process.