Your son or daughter is making the decision that is right for them and going to TC3, or TC for short, and I for one could not be happier for you all! TC is a college that gives young adults from all over (seriously, we even have international students!) amazing experiences – from a first look at college to a flexible, quality opportunity to continue their education later in life, and everything in between.
There are many reasons to come to TC; of course you know about the great courses, student success resources, and beautiful grounds and facilities. But what else is there to draw your young adult in and keep them here? Getting into college is one thing, but how can you help your kid stay healthy and well enough to thrive here?
Luckily, there is an entire department dedicated to just that. Health & Wellness Services is TC’s go-team for anything related to staying healthy in body, mind, and spirit – and I am proud to be part of it! This year has brought a lot of changes to Health & Wellness Services. Besides the obvious responsibility overload we had with keeping everyone safe on campus (seriously, we had no on-campus transmissions of COVID!) we also experienced a lot of positive growth.
Mental Health
This year, Health Services adopted the Office of Mental Health, which prompted the change to Health and Wellness. TC offers students in-person and tele-therapy counseling sessions with our two certified mental health therapists, and we want every student who needs someone to talk to to know that we got you.
Three out of four TC students reported feeling overwhelmed at some point this year, so if your kid is struggling with the stress of college life or more complicated issues, please reach out.
Substance Use Prevention
As a parent, of course a major concern is the trouble your kid might get into with alcohol and other drugs. Well, Health & Wellness has got you covered there, too! The department was awarded the Environmental Strategies grant by NY State in 2016 to help reduce the access and availability of alcohol and other drugs on campus. Your young adult will be able to learn all about safe partying behavior and unlearn some harmful misconceptions about college life just by being on campus! You can learn more about how we are doing this at www.youdefineyourbest.life!
But what about if they’ve already called home and told you they got in trouble? Health & Wellness runs the Options Program that focuses on talking to students who are experimenting with alcohol and other drugs about what’s going on and how their use is impacting their life and success at TC. If your child is struggling with an active addiction, or is in recovery from one, TC Health & Wellness is one of the only Junior Colleges in the nation (yes, you read that right) to host its own Recovery Center.
We have a beautiful, safe, comfortable space where our students can come and be themselves, talk with their peers, or just enjoy a cup of coffee! Even if a student isn’t struggling with a substance, our Recovery Center is a space where everyone is free to be themselves.
Physical Health
Of course, Health & Wellness has your good ol’ fashioned health care too. Our licensed nurse spent most of her career in the ER, so rest assured your kid is in good hands no matter what emergency might strike. Our Health Center also has OTC medications, contraceptives, hygiene products, virus tests, heck – we even have tools to help you quit smoking or vaping! Stop by the office and meet our crew. We are always there with a friendly face and a good laugh – free of charge. Come check out our new space while you’re at it, the new Wellness Center has a lounge area with a ping pong table and other accessories to make you feel at home – in mind, body, and spirit. Learn about all Health & Wellness Services has for your incoming college student at www.tompkinscortland.edu/campus-life/health-and-wellness-services
