Behavioral Health Assessment

Well-being, health and safety are crucial components to student success.   Texas Christian University is committed to supporting both the academic and personal success of the student as well as maintaining a secure living and learning environment for the community.  The University takes seriously any behavior that may demonstrate a student may harm him/herself or another.  This policy will be implemented based on observances of student conduct, active and passive statements, actions and/or professional assessments and recommendations.

A student’s behavior not only impacts him/herself but it can also be disruptive to the community.  Should a student’s behavior impact him/herself or the rest of the community, the student will be required to be assessed by a mental health staff member within the campus community and/or a designated off- campus professional clinician.  This provider may consult with the Dean of Students office or another appropriate member of the Critical Incidence Response Team (CIRT).

As a result of this assessment, students may be asked to participate in counseling either on or off campus (including individual counseling, intensive outpatient treatment, in-patient hospitalization or a residential treatment facility).  Additionally, depending on the severity of the concern and/or threat, the student may need to take a leave of absence from campus and academic studies to fully engage in treatment.  The Dean of Students office will work with the student regarding a leave of absence and re-entry into the university.

It is the expectation of the Dean of Students office that all students who are working with a behavioral health clinician to be compliant with the treatment recommendations.  Should a student choose to not follow the treatment guidelines set in place by his/her clinician, he/she may be removed from both the academic and/or residential environment.

Clearance Procedures:

Once a student has been assessed by the appropriate behavioral health clinician, the student must arrange for the clinician to contact a Dean in the Dean of Students office.  Thus, the student will need to sign a release of confidentiality allowing the clinician to communicate with the Dean’s Office to disclose the results of the evaluation and/or recommendations for continued care.  This communication should take place both verbally and in writing.

The Dean of Students or designee will review the documentation submitted by the clinician and consult with appropriate on-campus providers regarding the student’s readiness to return to an independent living and academic environment.

A student will be notified verbally and in writing regarding their ability to return to either the living and/or academic environment,  Students are not to return to the residence halls and/or the classroom until they have received appropriate clearance from the Dean of Students office.

Should a student withdraw from the University for medical reasons (i.e. take a leave of absence), the person’s student status will remain inactive until documentation is submitted to the Dean of Students office.  This documentation should address the following: 1) the student’s readiness to resume living in an independent, University housing facility (if applicable) and 2) follow-up care that is essential to the student’s continued success.   The Dean of Students or designee will review the documentation submitted by the clinician and consult with appropriate on-campus providers regarding the student’s readiness to return to the University.  The student will be notified regarding his or her ability to re-enroll at the University.