LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – UNLV prepares to offer mental health resources and support for thousands of students and staff in the weeks after the spring semester begins, and many will return to campus for the very first time since the UNLV tragedy.
UNLV has posted a list of counseling and support services for students and staff online. In-person counseling, group counseling, psychiatric services, telehealth and Zoom sessions are among various resources available.
The UNLV app also has information on grief support and coping with gun violence. There are online resources for staff and faculty to help peers and students with trauma support.
Close to 1,000 people utilized crisis counseling in the days following the December 6 shooting. Thousands more are expected to need resources.
“The goal is to recognize that our campers have experienced a profound, traumatic event. We want to support our campus community members so they can come back. We want them to reengage on campus,” said Associate Vice President for Wellness Jamie Davidson. Our goal really is to provide as many services as possible, so we can help every member of this campus community get back to what we’re here for, and that’s education,” he said.
Davidson notes that online classes are available for students who do not feel ready to return.
Each academic department will also implement their own support strategy for their students and staff, Davidson said.
FOX5 learned of one initiative spearheaded by the UNLV College of Fine Arts. The Marjorie Barrick Museum invites all members of campus to come to its galleries for visual and hands-on “art therapy.”
“I know its hard for students to return, its a very stressful time,” said Executive Director Alisha Kerlin. “What we’re offering at the Barrick Museum is a place for people to come together. Keep their hands busy while they’re processing their thoughts, feelings, emotions amongst the art. One of the ways to process trauma is to be together and not isolate,” Kerlin said.
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