Top administrators sent an email to parents Monday night explaining mental health resources on campus.
A similar email was sent to Penn students on Tuesday morning.
“Mental health is a topic that can be uncomfortable to discuss,” the email, sent by President Amy Gutmann, Provost Vincent Price and Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli around 8 p.m., said. “Many people, including college students, may not seek help when they are in need. We are asking for your help in reminding your child of the extensive support services that are available at Penn if they are feeling distressed.”
The email went on to provide contact information for resources on campus, including Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health Service and school advising offices, among others.
“While this information has been conveyed to our students regularly, in many different forms, we want to make sure that parents and guardians are also aware,” the email read.
The email comes a week after the University announced CAPS would hire three more staffers and expand hours, beginning to address two common complaints.
The full text of the email is below:
A Message to Penn Parents About Mental Health Services
President Amy Gutmann
Provost Vincent Price
Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli
The health and safety of our students is a primary concern to all of us at Penn. We know that’s a concern we share with every parent. We are writing to make sure that you are aware of the mental health support that is available to our students.
Mental health is a topic that can be uncomfortable to discuss. As a result, many people, including college students, may not seek help when they are in need. We are asking for your help in reminding your child of the extensive support services that are available at Penn if they are feeling distressed.
While this information has been conveyed to our students regularly, in many different forms, we want to make sure that parents and guardians are also aware. In addition to reminding your child of these services, we also ask that you keep us informed if you observe that your child is in distress.
We encourage all members of the vast Penn family to take time to care for one another. Our message to students is unwavering: “You are not alone. Tell a friend, talk to an advisor, reach out to a trusted staff member, faculty member, or your family. Support is all around you.”
So we hope you will join with us in keeping your child informed of the support network that is in place at Penn. And please let us know if there is anything more that we can do to ensure a healthy and safe college experience for your child.
Services that are available to Penn students include:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 215-898-7021; 215-349-5490 (Nights and weekends. Ask for CAPS counselor on call.)
University Chaplain’s Office: 215-898-8456
Student Health Service: 215-746-3535
Department of Public Safety Special Services 24/7 Hotline: 215-898-6600
Office of the Vice Provost for University Life/Student Intervention Services: 215-898-6081
School Advising and Student Affairs Offices:
Annenberg School for Communication: 215-573-6349
College of Arts and Sciences: 215-898-6341 (Undergraduate) or 215-898-7577 (Graduate School)
Dental School: 215-898-4550
School of Design: 215-898-6210
School of Engineering and Applied Science: 215-898-7246
Graduate School of Education: 215-898-7019
Law School: 215-898-7491
Perelman School of Medicine: 215-898-7190
School of Nursing: 215-898-6687
School of Social Policy and Practice: 215-746-5895
School of Veterinary Medicine: 215-898-3525
Wharton 215-898-7613 (Undergraduate) or 215-573-5756 (Graduate School)
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