SA/17/AS/18/SEC - Provision of Appropriate Space for Psychological Counseling Services

Effective November 26, 2018

Resolved: That the Academic Senate urges the administration to accept the recommendations of Psychological Counseling Services faculty in decisions about PCS space- whether temporary or permanent, and be it further

Resolved: That the planning of any permanent on campus space allocation prioritizes PCS, and be it further

Resolved: That the Academic Senate urges the administration to acknowledge and make decisions regarding PCS space based upon the needs of those who use and those who provide PCS services-including safety, security, and privacy.

Rationale: The services provided by Psychological Counseling faculty contribute invaluably to the core mission of the University. PCS assists students in need, in the context of a society that continues to stigmatize mental illness. Those from less-advantaged groups in our society also are likely to have more mental health care need, and to have received less access to mental health care. The University should advance its educational and social justice mission by making the needs of these students a priority in planning the physical space of the campus.

As stated in the External Review of Psychological Counseling Services prepared by Dr. Jeffrey Prince, a main concern for PCS is a permanent space that adheres to relevant accreditation standards. Those standards include providing sound-proofing, a centralized location in an accessible space, separated from campus police and administration, and including a private waiting area for clients.

Review History: Approved by the Academic Senate on October 16, 2018. Approved by President Ellen Junn on November 26, 2018.

Student Affairs Division has the primary responsibility for this policy.

Attachment(s): SA/17/AS/18/SEC - Provision of Appropriate Space for Psychological Counseling Services  

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