THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO
It’s About Family
University Advancement and Alumni Affairs Station 6215, Meroney House Montevallo, AL 35115 T. 205-665-6215 F. 205-665-6058
Greetings from University of Montevallo, You are receiving this letter today because we have an immediate need for additional resources for University of Montevallo Counseling Services. Counseling Services consists of four licensed professionals who come alongside and support our students during difficult times in their lives. Services are free of charge and available to all students. In order for Counseling Services to continue assisting our students and meet the growing demand, we need your help. How big is our need? • In 2017-2018, more than 500 students used Counseling Services, which is a 106% increase from the 2013-2014 academic year. • A survey of the 2016 UM freshman class found that over 20% reported having a psychological disorder, whereas just 6% reported the same in 2010. • While Counseling Services has seen a significant increase in the number of students and complexity of problems, the level of resources has not increased. • Compared to institutions of similar size, Counseling Services sees more individuals per staff member and utilizes a significantly lower operating budget. Counseling Services currently operates on an annual budget (not including staff salaries) one third the amount compared to similar institutions. A large percentage of UM’s population are first-generation college students. We have found in many cases that being a student at the University of Montevallo represents the first opportunity where students have had access to mental health services. Just as we have a responsibility to provide housing, food and other health care, it is also our responsibility to provide mental health services. Currently, Counseling Services assists approximately 20% of the UM student body. The counseling staff works tirelessly to meet these demands with very limited resources. Through the assistance of generous alumni, we will provide new resources and services, enhance our space to better serve students, address staffing needs and most importantly improve the lives of UM students. Overall we are seeking $250,000, which would provide life-changing physical resources as well as three years of incremental, personnel resources. The details of these items are included as an insert with this letter. Any gift would make a profound impact in the work Counseling Services is able to achieve, as well as in the lives of our students. An anonymous donor has agreed to match all amounts contributed in this appeal, doubling the impact you can have on the well-being of our students. Please give TODAY at montevallo.edu/annual-giving and include CS218 in the comments. Thank you, Tammi S. Dahle, Ph.D., NCC, LPC, LPC-SC Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs/Dean of Students University of Montevallo
Josh Miller, M.Ed., LPC-SC, NCC Director of Counseling Services University of Montevallo
University of Montevallo is an affirmative action, equal-opportunity institution.