BILL#: SEN-24-18
TITLE: Initiative to Re-Examine the Functions of the Student Counseling Center
SPONSORS:
Sophia Rhoades, College of Arts and Sciences Senator [srhoade1@vols.utk.edu]
Emma Boyle, College of Social Work Senator [eboyle1@vols.utk.edu]
Jason Pan, College of Engineering Senator [jpan8@vols.utk.edu]
Kaylee Sheppard, College of Arts & Sciences Senator/ Lobbyist [ksheppa7@vols.utk.edu]
Owen Flomberg, East Area Senator [oflomber@vols.utk.edu]
Mateos Hayes, College of Arts and Sciences Senator [mhayes57@vols.utk.edu]
Logan Craft, At-Large Senator lcraft6@vols.utk.edu
Eli Pearson, West Area Senator [epears12@vols.utk.edu]
Joe Hall, Haslam College of Business Senator jhall105@vols.utk.edu
Evan Newell, College of Engineering Senator [enewell2@vols.utk.edu]
Carter Oakley, Central Area Senator [coakle10@vols.utk.edu]
Hannah Nelsen, West Area Senator [hnelsen@vols.utk.edu]
DATE: 11/20/18
Whereas, the Student Counseling Center experiences a 12% to 15% increase in demand per year and whereas they can see an increase of up to a hundred students per week. (Figure 1)
Whereas, the Student Counseling Center currently has 13 full time staff with one new position being filled in January. (Figure 1)
Whereas, the Student Counseling Center will have 11 Ph.D psychologists and three graduate level social work counselors for a total of 14 full time staff in January. (Figure 1)
Whereas, the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) is the Student Counseling center’s accrediting body. (Figure 1)
Whereas, International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) standards suggest 1 full time professional counselor for every 1,500 students. (Figure 1)
Whereas, as of Fall 2018, the student population stands at 28,894 and whereas the International Association of Counseling Services (IACS) recommends that for the size of this university there is a need for 18-20 counselors to effectively serve students. (Figure 1) and (Figure 2)
Whereas, the undergraduate student senate including all of its counterparts are responsible for the betterment of their constituents’ student experiences.
Whereas, the Student Counseling Center has the space to expand staff and the main issue is funds for staffing according to the Student Counseling Center’s Director, Dr. T. Paul McAnear. (Figure 1)
Whereas, the Student Counseling Center is open to the concept of temporarily visiting students at a location that is more accessible to them to provide care. (Figure 1)
Be it hereby resolved that the undergraduate student senate and administration reexamine the allocation of funds for the Student Counseling Center.
Be it hereby resolved that SGA integrates the link to the counseling center and the 974-HELP number to the bios of its social platforms as well as the front page of the SGA website.
Be it hereby resolved that when adequate funds are provided for the Student Counseling Center to increase staff, counselors will temporarily visit residence halls and other parts of campus like the Agriculture campus or far side of the hill.
References:
Figure 1- https://counselingcenter.utk.edu
Figure 2- https://www.utk.edu/aboutut/numbers/