Campus Health and Safety
While academic success is central to the college experience, UTC is equally committed to supporting students’ overall well-being. Our campus offers a wide range of services for physical and mental health, including medical care, counseling, wellness education, and prevention programs.
Beyond addressing immediate needs, we help students develop lifelong habits of self-care, resilience, and responsible decision-making. Families remain vital partners in this journey, and open conversations about topics like consent, alcohol use, and mental health can make a meaningful difference.
Emergency Preparedness
At UTC, we approach your student's safety and security with care and intention. Our Department of Public Safety, including UTC Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Office of Environmental Health and Safety, are proactive in preparing for both natural and manmade emergencies. Through thoughtful planning, ongoing training, and the use of advanced technology, our campus can respond quickly and effectively when it matters most. The UTC-Alert System is used to communicate emergency information. Our goal is to foster a campus environment where your student feels supported and secure, allowing them to focus on learning, growing, and making the most of their time at UTC.
Parents are not automatically enrolled to receive UTC-Alerts, to enroll please follow the UTC-Alert website. Enroll in UTC-Alerts
Risk Education
Before your student attends classes at UTC, they will need to complete several online modules on alcohol use, academic integrity, Title IX and campus safety. The purpose of these modules is to introduce and educate new students on the campus rules and expectations on these topics. Please have you student follow all prompts to complete these modules by the instructed due dates.
Substance Use
UTC does not allow any substance use on campus; however, students may still face decisions related to alcohol. Research consistently shows that parents are a leading influence on their children’s decisions about drinking and substance use. Although media portrayals can suggest otherwise, most UTC students report limited alcohol consumption. Talking openly about expectations, peer pressure, and decision-making strategies can empower your student to make responsible choices. The UTC Student Code of Conduct contains more information regarding alcohol and drug misconduct at UTC. Review these policies on the Student Code of Conduct website.
Relationship Safety and Violence Prevention
Our university is committed to promoting healthy relationships and maintaining a safe, respectful campus environment. Through prevention education, our campus addresses power-based violence (including sexual assault, relationship violence, sexual harassment, and stalking) by equipping students with the tools to build healthy relationships. Our comprehensive consent campaign reinforces the university’s affirmative consent policy, emphasizing clear, informed, and voluntary agreement in all interactions. Guided by Title IX, the university responds promptly and equitably to reported incidents and provides supportive measures to all parties to help students continue their education.
Physical Health
Every student is bound to get sick at least once while in college. It can be difficult on students to be sick at college as this is often the first time they are navigating illness on their own. Our University Health Services (UHS) serves students by providing optimum health care. Students are not charged for office visits. Minimal fees for services such as laboratory tests and immunizations may apply. UHS strongly recommends appointments, however, students may call to see if a same day appointment may be available.
We encourage all students to carry personal health insurance, either through your family health plan or by enrolling in the UT Student Health Insurance Program, an affordable health care coverage plan.
*Tip: Make sure your student is equipped to access healthcare while at UTC by talking with them about things such as provider networks, copays, pharmacy benefits, and more!
Emotional Health
College can be stressful for your student. Balancing classwork, extracurricular activities, and social obligations can test anyone. Some stress in college is normal and can even help your student learn coping skills. Here’s how you can help your student when things get stressful:
- Help your student identify the cause(s) of their stress. Identifying the cause can help them name the problem. Then you can work together to come up with solutions.
- Remind them to take care of themselves. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising regularly can help your student better deal with stress.
- Encourage them to reach out to UTC resources like the Counseling Center, Center of Wellbeing and/or Student Outreach and Support.
While some stress in college is normal, here are some signs that your student may be struggling:
- Your student isn’t participating in any activities or groups at school. Studying is important, but college is about the total experience. If your student is not participating in anything outside of class, they may not be adjusting well.
- There’s a sudden change in your student’s habits or mood. Rapid, unexpected change may signal adjustment problems. Examples include your student stops responding to your texts, is often pessimistic when you talk to them or they’re not keeping up with their hygiene like they used to.
- They become apathetic about their academic performance. When you talk to your student, do they seem uninterested in their classes? Are they missing assignments? This can mean they’re in despair and just don’t care about preparing for the future.
For crisis or emergent situations UTC offers the UTC Cares Line. Please call 423-425-CARE(2273) or visit UTC Cares website for more information.
Support on Campus
- UTC Police Department (UTCPD)
The UTC Police Department provides the campus community with 24/7 professional police services, which reduces criminal opportunity and promotes a safe, healthy, and hazard free environment, while complying with applicable federal, state, and local safety, fire and environmental regulatory requirements.
- Safe Ride: UPD can escort students anywhere on campus during the academic year. Your student can use the Safe Ride Service to address any personal safety concerns by calling (423) 425-4357(HELP).
- Blue Light Phones: Police call boxes are in the parking lots across campus and dial straight to campus police
- University Health Services (UHS)
The staff of nurse practitioners provides services including visits for acute and chronic illnesses, physical exams, screenings, immunizations, lab services, TB skin testing and allergy shots.
- Counseling Center
The Counseling Center is the university’s primary facility for personal counseling, psychotherapy and psychological outreach and consultation services. The center promotes the psychological, educational and social well-being of UTC students and helps prepare them to be productive members of society. Staff members provide a variety of services for students, including walk-in sessions; crisis intervention; group, individual and couples counseling.
- Title IX
Title IX is a Federal law that prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and activities that receive federal funds. UTC does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and its regulations, including in admission and employment. As a part our our non-discrimination commitment, and as required by Title IX, UTC will not adopt or implement any policy, practice, or procedure concerning a student’s current, potential, or past parental, family, or marital status that treats students differently on the basis of sex. UTC will not discriminate in any education program or activity against any student based on the student’s current, potential, or past pregnancy or related conditions. Discrimination based on sex includes sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking.
Informational about resources, reporting and supportive measures can be found on the Title IX website.
- Center for Wellbeing
The Center for Wellbeing encourages life-long wellbeing by promoting healthy coping skills, a culture of care, risk reduction and wellness. The center focuses on mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and wellness education.
- Student of Concern Report
This form can be used to report a student or UTC community member of concern. Staff will reach out to help assist and coordinate resources. If this is an emergency, please contact UTC PD at 423-425-4357.
- UTC Cares
Do you need to report an community member of concern? Are you a student or employee experiencing a mental health crisis, need non-emergency medical assistance, or need support regarding sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating and domestic violence, or stalking?