Experience Wellness - Spartanburg Methodist College

We know both mental and physical health matter to experience true Wellness.

Accessibility Resources

Spartanburg Methodist College is committed to ensuring equal access for persons with disabilities in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended (ADAAA).

Resources Include:

Extended time for testing

Recorders available for recording lectures

Note-taking software Audio Computer Testing

Reduced Distraction Environment for Testing

Books in Alternate Format

How do I apply for academic accommodations at SMC?1. Complete the Intake Form
2. Provide documentation (most recent IEP, 504 Plan, psychoeducational evaluation, doctor or therapist letter)
3. Accessibility Resources staff will review the intake form and documentation and contact the student to arrange an intake interview to collaboratively determine which accommodations the student may need to have equal access to the college’s academics, programs, and services.

ACCESSIBILITY Frequently Asked Questions

In general, major life activities include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working to include the operation of major bodily functions. Major bodily functions includes but is not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

Students who are registered with Accessibility Resources and have testing accommodations for a disability are welcome to take tests in the Accessibility Resources testing areas.

Requests to take tests in AR must be received from the student at least 2 business days prior to the test.

The student must also ask the professor about taking the test in AR.

Students must leave all items that will not be needed in the testing room with Accessibility Resources staff. This includes, but is not limited to, book bags, laptops, cell phones, books, notebooks, etc.

The student must take the test at the same time as the class is testing. If doing so would pose a problem because the student has a class right after the class in which a test is being given, arrangements may be made to start the test early or take it later the same day. STUDENTS MAY NOT START A TEST, LEAVE FOR CLASS, AND THEN RETURN LATER IN THE DAY TO COMPLETE THE TEST.

Students should start the test at the scheduled time; taking the test later than the scheduled time in order to study some more is not equal access.

To request to take a test in Accessibility Resources, please complete this test request form.

Students may request a Service or Assistance Animal as an accommodation for a disability through Student Accessibility Resources. Please see the Service and Assistance Animal Policy for SMC. Below is the process to request to have an assistance animal in campus housing or to register to have a service animal on campus.

STEP ONE: Complete the Assistance / Emotional Support Animal Verification Form (Printable)

STEP TWO: Complete Service & Assistance Animal/Emotional Support Animal Registration Form AND Assistance / Emotional Support Animal Consent & Release Form

Questions?

Dr. Gina ParrisDirector of Accessibility Resources 864.587.4272
ParrisG@smcsc.edu
Walker, Office 109

Additional Student ResourcesSMCX Success

Tutoring Services

The Write Place

SMC Library

SMC Counseling Center

ReadSpeaker Tool

Faculty ResourcesFaculty Guide to Student Accessibility Resources University of Washington Access College Faculty

COUNSELING SERVICES

We offer short-term, goal focused counseling to currently enrolled students. You and the counselor will discuss specific goals, frequency of sessions, and the likely length of treatment considering your presenting concerns. If you find positive results, further personal counseling appointments can be scheduled. Email wellnessgroup@smcsc.edu to schedule in person counseling.

SERVICES Include:

Individual Counseling

Crisis Intervention

Psychiatric Services

Telehealth Appointments through AcademicLiveCare

Wellness Clubs & Events

Private & Confidential Support

After Hours Emergency?

Call Campus Safety 864.587.4003 >

Questions?Visit the Wellness Center
Willard Hall, Suite 14
wellnessgroup@smcsc.edu

MENTAL HEALTH Frequently Asked Questions

In collaboration with the SMCX team, Counseling Services are available to all SMC students. Professional staff can assist students with their personal and interpersonal growth, with the goal of helping them become successful academically, socially, spiritually, and psychologically. While the college promotes a student-centered atmosphere in the Christian tradition, the Counseling Services staff respects the values of all clients.

All services are confidential and free of charge. Should additional help be needed, referrals may be made to medical professionals beyond the campus community.

Many students only need 2-3 sessions to talk about something specific, while others need more. Students are typically seen biweekly or monthly. Positive outcomes in counseling are often dependent upon the work a student does in between sessions. We encourage our students to practice the skills that are learned and discussed in counseling during the time in between sessions.

Common presenting concerns include:

Depression
Relationship difficulties/ Unhealthy relationships
Major/career decision-making difficulties
Low self-confidence
Concerns related to sexual orientation and identity
Excessive concern with eating or body image
Life-college balance
Grief and loss
Relational violence and/or sexual assault
Hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
Alcohol behavior patterns
Substance Use behavior patterns
Conflict / anger management
Emotional turmoil
Stress and anxiety

Counseling and Health services are private and confidential. Confidentiality means staff members cannot speak with anyone else about the meeting unless the client gives permission. We are required to take reasonable action if a client appears to be a threat or danger to self/others.

The office functions similar to a doctor’s office. If waiting for an appointment, students may be seated in the reception area. Out of respect for one another’s privacy, there is an expectation that individuals in the waiting area will not disclose information about others.

The Counseling Center also functions as a training site for counseling interns in graduate school. Interns are involved in weekly supervision with the Director to ensure services provided are within the scope of their training and expertise.

Spartanburg Regional Hospital Emergency Department (864-560-6000 or 911)
Located on 101 E. Wood St., the Emergency Department can provide immediate care for severe crises such as drug or alcohol overdoses or serious suicidal thoughts. Students may call 864-503-7777 for ambulance service to the hospital. (There is a fee.)

Carolina Center for Behavioral Health (800-866-4673) CCBH is a private psychiatric hospital in Spartanburg.

Domestic Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault Services:

Safe Homes/Rape Crisis Center (800-273-5066)
The center, located at 235 Union St., is the local rape crisis and domestic violence center. Trained volunteers provide crisis intervention for victims of rape and relationship violence on their 24-hour hotline. They operate a shelter for women who are currently in abusive relationships and need safe housing temporarily.

Safe Harbor (800-291-2139)
The center provides safe shelter, counseling, advocacy, and other services for victims of domestic violence and their children, and domestic violence prevention and education for the entire Upstate community. They operate a domestic violence crisis line and two secure safe homes, serving Greenville, Pickens, Oconee and Anderson counties.

Students who are experiencing a psychological or emotional crisis often need immediate help and intervention. Some examples of serious crises include suicidal or homicidal thoughts or impulses; sexual or physical assault; hearing voices or otherwise misperceiving reality; or overwhelming loss, such as a death in the family.
If you are afraid you will not be able to avoid hurting yourself or someone else, get help immediately. We reserve the right to contact law enforcement or EMS to transport the student for further evaluation.
During Office Hours

Call Counseling Services at 864-587-4356, and make it clear you are in crisis. Students will be seen as soon as possible.
After Hours:

Call Campus Safety 864-587-4003

Go to the Spartanburg Regional Hospital Emergency Department

Call or Text 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline or chat 988lifeline.org

Psychiatric Services are available on campus one Monday of the month. You will need to schedule an initial appointment through counseling services (see above) to have medication prescribed. It is also required that each student see an on-campus counselor at least two times a semester (unless more sessions are clinically indicated) to received psychiatric services.
Controlled substances will not be available, so if you have been prescribed any controlled substances in the past you will need to continue to get those from the original prescribing doctor.

HEALTH SERVICESYou can access Health Services and resources by visiting the Wellness Center in Suite 14 of Willard Hall. *Entrance located under the stairwell!

Resources Include:

AcademicLiveCare

Relaxation Room

Coffee Area

Plant Library

Wellness Events

ABOUT ACADEMICLIVECARE - Telehealth ServicesAccess FREE Telehealth services via "AcademicLiveCare" 24/7! Services include online appointments with a doctor, counseling, or psychiatric care. This can be used for coughs & colds, sinus infections, allergies, bronchitis, headaches, anxiety & depression, strep throat, therapy & counseling, general wellness, insomnia, and other health concerns.

Click on the MySMC "AcademicLiveCare" card to sign up/log in.

Go to mySMC >

Questions?

Dr. Mindy BlissAssistant Dean & Director
of Campus Health & Wellness
864.590.6595 | BlissM@smcsc.edu
Willard, Office 144 | SMCX Wellness

IMMUNIZATIONS Frequently Asked Questions

Immunization documentation must be signed or stamped by a physician or health care provider, or a copy of your immunization certification will be accepted. Check out the latest letter for New Students!

Immunization records must have the following information included:

Student’s legal Name
Date of Birth
Vaccine(s) Name and Date Vaccination(s) was given
Address of provider
Printed name and Signature of provider

Students will submit their required immunization documentation on their SMC applications portal. If you need additional information about Spartanburg Methodist College immunization policy, contact Health & Wellness Services at wellnessgroup@smcsc.edu

SMC requires specific immunizations for student who participate in any in-person class, living in on-campus housing and/or participating in any in-person extracurricular activity. The Immunizations form and supporting immunization documentation must be submitted PRIOR to students moving in the residence halls and/or starting classes on campus. Please take time to review the information about the required immunizations. *If you have a medical or religious exemption, you will submit documentation on the same form.

1. Tetanus, Diphtheria, & Pertussis (TDaP): Last dose within the last 10 years. View CDC Info
2. Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR): 1 to 2 doses in vaccine series, given after 1st birthday for a student born after December 31, 1975 View CDC Info
3. Meningococcal ACWY - Students Living In Residence Halls ONLY: (Acceptable are versions Menactra & Menveo (MenACWY), MCV4, MPSV4) - Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid surrounding the brain.  Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Meningitis has 2 to 3 doses in vaccine series with the last dose give within the past five years of entering SMC. Typically, the first dose is given when an individual is 11–12-year-olds with meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4, Menactra, Menveo). A booster dose should be given at or after the age of 16 years old. For adolescents who receive the first dose at age 13 through 15 years, a one-time booster dose should be administered, preferably at age 16 through 18 years, before the peak in increased risk. Adolescents who receive their first dose of MCV4 at or after age 16 years do not need a booster dose. The Quadrivalent Vaccine (for Meningitis A,C,W,Y) is required for students at Spartanburg Methodist College who live in campus housing, administered at or after the age of 16. View CDC Info

SMC also encourages students and families to review and consider the following immunizations that are highly recommended for students entering college.

ACCESSIBILITY Frequently Asked Questions

MENTAL HEALTH Frequently Asked Questions

IMMUNIZATIONS Frequently Asked Questions

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