Mrs. Ragan Summers, M.S. Ed.
Director of Counseling &
Disability Services
Desk: 904.470.8231
After Hours: 904.415.7902
Fax: 904.470.8028
The Edward Waters College Office of Counseling and Disability Services is confidential, safe and friendly atmosphere for students, faculty and staff. We provide a variety of ongoing services, support and assistance for personal, academic and developmental issues, which impact the overall learning environment of students.
With an increase of mental health demands by college students across the world, we continue to promote healthy alternatives to combat mental illness and disabilities. We seek to increase the awareness and knowledge of topics relate to college students.
Office Location:
CHOICES Center
1710 Pearce St.
Jacksonville, FL 32209
Office Hours:
M-F: 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Resources
Counseling Services
MISSION
To assist Edward Waters College students in achieving their personal, educational, and career goals. Counseling and Disability Services is an integral part of the College’s total learning environment. Counseling and Disability Services provides students with a safe environment where personal concerns can be openly explored and discussed with professional counselors.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
- To promote student growth and development as well as the enhancement of self-awareness and understanding in achieving personal and academic growth.
- To provide intervention through outreach and educational awareness programs.
- Seek collaborations with faculty and staff in order to increase student participation in programs, and workshops.
- Provide consultation to facilitate programs and workshops of educational relevance.
- To assist in resolving emotional, social and developmental deficiencies related to academic progress.
- Provide on-going individual and group counseling.
- Provide stress management, sexual assault, domestic violence, and other pertinent workshops.
- Provide consultation and reasonable accommodations in adherence to the American Disabilities Act.
- To develop an on-going relationship with community agencies for consultation and referral purposes when deem necessary.
- Consult with mental health and disability service professionals regarding agency services, policies and procedures.
- To promote outreach and consultation to faculty and staff for those students who express emotional, personal and social, and academic deficiencies.
- Provide faculty and staff with information pertaining to counseling and disability services.
- Develop referral process and form for faculty and staff usage.
Counselors are required and must keep all information and records maintained by the College that is related to counseling services confidential. Because of confidentiality constraints, counselors cannot talk with you about a student you have referred without a written release from that student. Counselors are required to abide by College rules as well as by law to break confidentiality, if:
- Their client threatens to harm themselves or someone else;
- There is knowledge of sexual or physical abuse to a minor); and/or,
- There is a court order mandating that the office release records.
**Please remember that because of confidentiality constraints, counselors cannot talk with you about a student without a written release from that student.
Students can be referred to Counseling and Disability Services for individual counseling. Individuals who are hostile, suicidal, and/or addicted to drugs and alcohol are immediately referred outside the Center. If it is an emergency and/or a student presents clear and imminent danger to self or others, please contact Campus Security and/or dial 911.
Because of confidentiality constraints, counselors cannot talk with you about a student without a written release from that student. Also, please submit concerns within a 24 hour period, unless it is an emergency.
Personal Counseling can help you to recognize what is upsetting you, clarify your goals, focus on your studies, and find ways of dealing with difficult situations. These can range from conflict with parents, death of a family member or friend, break-up of a relationship or feelings of stress, depression and/or anxiety. Brief individual or group counseling is available.
Group Counseling supports small numbers of students experiencing similar concerns.
Disability Accommodations provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled persons in accordance with the requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act.
Outreach and Awareness workshops and class presentations on various topics relevant to students’ personal growth and mental health concerns are available by request. Please allow three (3) days in advance for workshop or presentation requests.
Free information handouts/videos are available on various topics. A partial list of available topics include:
- AIDS
- Depression
- Drugs and Alcohol
- Domestic Violence/Dating Violence
- Eating Disorders
- Greif
- Mental Illnesses
- Types of Prescription Drugs
- Sleep Problems
- Stress Management
- Suicide
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Counseling and Disability Services align its programs with the college’s commitment to making good faith efforts to achieve a drug and alcohol free environment for its students. Referral services are available upon request. Please refer to the Edward Waters College Student Handbook for related policies and procedures.
HIV/AIDS AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS
Testing is available and referrals are made to community service agencies when appropriate.
SEXUAL ASSAULT/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
In accordance with the Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972 and the Campus SaVE Act (SaVE) 2013, counseling and disability services align its programs with the college’s commitment to provide a conducive place of work and learning, free from discrimination and harassment. The Office of Counseling and Disability Services is designated as an office that guarantees confidentiality. For formal complaints, please contact our Title IX Coordinator. Please refer to the Edward Waters College Student Handbook for related policies and procedures.
When deemed appropriate, the Director of Counseling and Disability Services may recommend that a student is seen outside of the college for a psychological assessment. Based upon the outcomes of the assessment, the Vice President of Student Success and Engagement may determine whether or not the student may continue matriculation at the college.
- Emergency intervention-students behavior represents imminent danger to self and/or others.
- Formal Complaint-students behavior interferes with or interrupts the overall learning environment of the campus community.
- A consultation will be held with the student regarding a recommendation for a psychological evaluation/assessment.
The student is responsible for obtaining the psychological/assessment within three (3) days of notification. Community referrals will be determined by the Director.
A release form must be signed by the student that will allow the college to receive results of the evaluation/assessment. Copies of the outcomes will be maintained in a locked file cabinet in Counseling and Disability Services.
Assessment results must be received within 5 (five) business days. At that time, there will be a review of the documents. A decision will be made within 3 (three) days and the student will be notified in writing.
PRIOR MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY
All students are strongly encouraged to immediately inform and participate in an intake interview with Counseling and Disability Services if they are currently under the care of a mental health professional, have a history or current mental health diagnosis and/or currently taking any prescribed medications to treat a mental health diagnosis. Failure to abide by this policy may result in a temporary “mental health administrative leave”.
MENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATIVE WITHDRAWAL
A student suffering a mental health episode to the degree that his or her condition may pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the student or others and/or that, if not addressed, may be detrimental to the best interest of the College (i.e., the condition may impede the educational progress or well-being of other students), will be strongly recommended by the College for
Counseling and Disability Services does not provide transportation.
Injuries: EMS/ Dial 911
Suicide: EMS/ Dial 911
Alcohol/Drug Abuse: EMS/Dial 911
Psychiatric Assessment: As determined appropriate
D.E.N.S. Committee (Discussing Emergency Needs of Students)
Mission
The DENS Committee is a team of campus professionals who respond to reports of concern regarding the well-being of students in distress and/or crisis.
How DENS Can Help?
DENS seeks to proactively respond to concerns about any disruption to a safe and productive living and learning community. We reach out to students quickly and make sure they connect with the resources useful in their situation. We address issues including (but not limited to) situations of self-harm or threats to others, family difficulties, stress management, mental health concerns, addictions, and others as deemed necessary.
Report a Concern, Violation, or Problem
To report any concerns about the behavior or personal well-being of students to Counseling and Disability Services (CDS), please complete and submit a referral form within a 24 hour period, unless it is an emergency. If your concern is purely academic (excessive absences, poor performance) without any knowledge of personal well-being issues, please follow your department’s policy and procedure regarding academic issues. If a student discloses that he or she has a disability, please refer the student to Counseling and Disability Services. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 904.470.8231 or 904.415.7902.
Report Sexual Misconduct
Employees have a duty to report any incident of sexual misconduct, such as sexual harassment or assault to the Title IX Coordinator. See the Sexual Misconduct, Sexual Assault, and Sexual Harassment Policy. The Office of Counseling and Disability Services guarantees confidentiality.
Immediate Action Required
For immediate concerns related to persons making threats to harm themselves or others; that pose a significant threat to the college and/or its community; or for other emergency issues,
please immediately dial 911 and/or Campus Security. Please remember that because of confidentiality constraints, information cannot be disclosed about a student without a written release from that student. Also, please submit concerns within a 24 hour period, unless it is an emergency. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at 904.470.8231 or 904.415.7902.
RELAXATION ROOM HOURS AND GUIDELINES
The relaxation room hours are Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (closed during Chapel) and 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The relaxation guidelines are:
- Completion of a brief stress factor inventory prior to using the room.
- Sessions in the Relaxation Room are limited to 30 minute including 15 minutes in large recliner massage chair with soft lighting and soothing music.
- Only two (2) persons in the room at a time, please be courteous.
- No shoes so please wear socks.
- No food or drinks.
- No cellphones, disrespectful behavior, or loud noises in the area.
- Leave the Relaxation Room in the same condition you found it.
Disability Services
Edward Waters College provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled persons in accordance with the requirements of Americans with Disabilities Act. Individuals should complete an application requesting accommodations, submit documentation from a licensed physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist (not older than three years) describing their disability, and upon approval, meet with a counselor for an intake interview.
Accommodations are academic adaptations that do not compromise academic standards or the master of essential course elements, but provide students with disabilities an equal opportunity to succeed. A referral system for students with disabilities is in place through counseling and disability services.
Who is Eligible for Disability Services?
Any enrolled EWC student with a limitation that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as walking, learning, and performing manual tasks, is eligible for disability accommodations. Students requesting services and accommodations are encouraged to register by submitting an application and disability documentation provided by a licensed/certified professional.
Where do students register for disability services or accommodations?
Counseling and Disability Services is the office responsible for determining eligibility and appropriate reasonable accommodations for EWC students with disabilities. We assist the college in fulfilling its legal responsibilities mandated by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. These laws require institutions to provide equal access and physical access to educational programs for qualified students with disabilities. The student is responsible for being a self-advocate and registering for accommodation with the Counseling and Disability Services.
What is the process for a student to register for disability services?
A student is eligible for accommodations if he/she is a person with a disability (to include temporary disability), has identified themselves to the Counseling and Disability Services, and has presented disability documentation provided by a licensed/certified professional to the college as required by the Counseling and Disability Services based on documentation guidelines.
Upon approval for accommodations, the student will be contacted for an intake interview. The student is responsible for delivery of letters to faculty/staff. A student can give written permission to have letters emailed to their instructors.
NOTE: Accommodations are effective after the student submits appropriate and complete documentation in accordance with the Counseling and Disability Services’ documentation requirements, completes disability registration, and has presented and discussed the accommodation letter with the faculty/staff member. Accommodation letters should be provided as soon as possible to assure accommodations are being implemented. Accommodations are not retroactive.
Counselors are required and must keep all information and records maintained by the College that is related to counseling services confidential. Because of confidentiality constraints, counselors cannot talk with you about a student you have referred without a written release from that student. Counselors are required to abide by College rules as well as by law to break confidentiality, if:
- Their client threatens to harm themselves or someone else;
- There is knowledge of sexual or physical abuse to a minor); and/or,
- There is a court order mandating that the office release records.
**Please remember that because of confidentiality constraints, counselors cannot talk with you about a student without a written release from that student.
The guidelines describe information to validate: (1) the existence and that the limitations imposed by it rises to the level of being disabling, (2) the impact on the individual’s educational performance and (3) the need for accommodations for students registering with the Counseling and Disability Services at Edward Waters College. Accommodations are provided based on the impact of the disorder, not only on the diagnosis of a condition.
The intent of using documentation guidelines is not to exclude students from use of services, but to ensure that those with legitimate disabilities who have current functional limitations receive appropriate accommodations.
If the documentation is incomplete or inadequate to determine the extent of the disability or reasonable accommodations, then Counseling and Disability Services may require additional documentation. A self-report may be required and completed to accompany documentation.
The following is a list of documentation guidelines for various disability categories:
- Documentation Guidelines for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Documentation Guidelines for Learning Disabilities (LD)
- Documentation Guidelines for mobility or physical impairments, systemic or chronic illnesses, hearing or visual impairments, psychiatric disorders or other disabilities
A student has a disability that qualifies under the Americans Disability Act (ADA) and requires accommodations; he/she should contact Counseling and Disability Service for information on appropriate policies and procedures. Disabilities covered by ADA may include learning, psychiatric, physical disabilities, or chronic health disorders. Students can contact the Counseling and Disability Service staff if they are not certain whether a medical condition/disability qualifies.
Textbook lending is an accommodation used to provide an alternative format of textbooks to assist students with disabilities. The textbook is property of Follett Bookstore and is being loaned to students for use in classes while enrolled at Edward Waters College. After the semester ends, all books need to be returned to Follett Bookstore during the college’s final exam week. However, if it is lost, stolen, or not returned to Follett Bookstore, the student will be billed 100% of the retail price.
Counseling and Disability Services has established the following policy regarding Service Animals and Support Animals, to assist individuals with disabilities. Being mindful of health and safety concerns of the campus community, Edward Waters College generally limits the presence of privately‐owned animals on campus. However, the College will reasonably accommodate persons with disabilities who require the assistance of Service or Support Animals, as appropriate. The Director of Counseling and Disability Services, who oversees disability services, is responsible for implementing this policy and for guiding students with disabilities in documenting their specific request for a necessary accommodation. Each request will be evaluated on a case‐by‐case basis, considering the needs of the individual and the concerns of the College community. The successful implementation of this policy requires the cooperation of all students, faculty, staff and visitors of the EWC community. Edward Waters College reserves the right to amend this policy as circumstances require.
Any member of the College community may report an alleged violation of College policies, including, but not limited to a violation of the provisions set forth by the college. If a student is not satisfied with the accommodations provided, he/she may engage in the grievance process to resolve the situation. If you wish to file a grievance pertaining to disability or other services, please refer to the Edward Waters College Student Handbook for policies related to the above topic.
Records are stored in locked files. No files should be left in office overnight. Full records are retained until 7 years after the last date of service delivery, and then destroyed.
“If there is anything more reprehensible than the practice of discriminiation upon a people because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, it is for the people discriminated against to accept it without protest or resistance. It is an evidence of an utter lack of self-respect, the most priceless possession an individual or group can have, without which there can be no human dignity.”
– A. Philip Randolph, 1959
Asa Philip Randolph was a groundbreaking leader, organizer, and social activist who championed equitable labor rights for African American communities, becoming one of the most impactful civil rights and social justice leaders of the 20th century. His activism spanned 60 years, and included the organization of the largest labor union for Black workers in the United States and the coordination of two Marches on Washington (1941 and 1963).
Randolph spent the formative years of his early life in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born on April 15, 1889, in Crescent City, Florida, to an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church, the Rev. James William Randolph, and his wife, Elizabeth Robinson Randolph. In 1891, when he was three years old, his family moved to Jacksonville. He attended Edward Waters College (a Historically Black College founded in 1866) from ages fourteen to sixteen before transferring to the Cookman Institute (a Historically Black educational institute founded in 1872 and located in Jacksonville), from which he graduated as valedictorian in 1907.
In 1911, recognizing the constraints that racial segregation placed on his life in his native Florida, Randolph left Jacksonville for New York City. Initially he hoped for a life on the stage but redirected his talents to issues of fairness and equity in employment and civic life. During World War I, Randolph faced formidable odds as he worked to unionize African American shipyard workers and elevator operators. During this time, along with his friend and collaborator Chandler Owen, Randolph edited and published the Messenger magazine between 1917 and 1925, during which it served as a promotional vehicle for the Harlem Renaissance.
Randolph’s career as a labor leader took a new turn when he became the first president of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, which by 1937 would become the first official African American labor union. After his victories in the arena of organized labor, in the 1940s, Randolph focused his attention on the larger goal of ending racial discrimination in government defense factories and desegregating the armed forces, both accomplished through presidential decrees. Becoming involved in additional civil rights work, he was a principal organizer of the proposed March on Washington in 1941, and the more famous 1963 March on Washington during which the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.
On May 16, 1979, at age 90, Mr. Randolph passed away. He was cremated, and his ashes were interred at the A. Philip Randolph Institute in Washington, D.C.
There are several sites in Jacksonville that pay tribute to the legacy of A. Philip Randolph. He is the namesake of the A. Philip Randolph Academies of Technology, A. Philip Randolph Boulevard (formerly Florida Avenue), and the adjoining A. Philip Randolph Park on Jacksonville’s east side.
August 31, 2019 07:00:00 PM
The Edward Waters College Emergency Management Team continues to closely monitor Hurricane Dorian, which is expected to be a Category 4 hurricane upon landfall in Florida.
Due to the easterly trajectory of the storm and its current speed, it has been determined that movement of the remaining on-campus students from their residence halls to the JWJ facility will not occur until further notice. Cafeteria hours will operate regular weekend hours on Sunday, September 1st and adjusted hours for Monday, September 2nd. Brunch will be from 11:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. and dinner will be from 5:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.
Be advised, you will receive official communication from the College via email, social media, the EWC Website, and Tiger Alert throughout the duration of the storm. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and update you accordingly.
The Mission of Residence Life and Housing is to provide a living learning experience that that supports all residential EWC students. We strive to create a safe wholesome living and learning environment that is conducive to the overall development of our students that aids in their academic success, leadership development, positive decision making and responsible citizenship. Services are provided to our students in a friendly, courteous and efficient manner which helps to promote academic success.
Mr. Quentin McBeth
Assistant Director of Housing Operations
904-470-8870
August 16, 2019
10:00am
Milne Auditorium
*All incoming Freshmen students are mandated to be in attendance for this occasion. Freshmen female attire is black skirts and white blouse. Male Freshmen attire is black dress pants, white collar shirt and neck tie.