Frequently Asked Questions

The SURS office is located in the Counseling and Mental Health Center on the 2nd floor of Jarvis Hall. The office is open when the university is open, even during semester breaks, with the exception of University holidays. Meetings typically take place in person. Virtual/Zoom meetings can be coordinated with students if the student or provider has medical reason to not meet in person. The SURS office follows TCU Guidelines regarding COVID-19 protocol.

Yes, unless a student is experiencing a mental health crisis that includes possible danger to self or others, all counseling sessions, and educational sessions must be scheduled in advance.

For alcohol or drug violationsStudents should use the online platform, IMPACT. If you do not have an account on IMPACT (if you have not been into the office since 12/31/2020 you will not have an account) click here to set up an account.

If you already have an IMPACT account click here for returning users.
(click TCU LOGIN to enter TCU credentials)

For an appointment not related to a violation: call the Counseling Center at 817-257-7863 and request a substance use and recovery appointment.

If you are having trouble or have any questions, contact the Substance Use & Recovery Services office at 817-257-7100.

If you are worried about the well-being of a fellow TCU student, please submit a Report of Student Concern with the Dean of Students Office. These reports can be submitted HERE.

It can be hard to support a friend or loved one who is struggling.  Contact us for support along the way.

Don’t make excuses for your friend’s behavior.  Protecting a friend from experiencing the natural outcomes of their drinking or using behavior may enable them to continue using.

For a 2nd or 3rd Alcohol Violation, an in-person 2-hour educational workshop is required. You and your education provider will schedule this workshop after your first meeting is completed.

The Substance Use & Recovery Services office, and the Collegiate Recovery Community (CRC) hosts open weekly meetings for TCU students varying in age, major, and phase of recovery, to share their experience, strength, and hope. Meetings are offered at 6pm on Thursdays on campus. These meetings are only open to current TCU students with a desire to change their use.

The CRC also hosts alcohol-free events throughout the fall and spring semesters. Students may also choose to seek individual support by meeting with either of our Licensed Professional Counselors.

 

Follow the CRC on Instagram – @TCURecovery

Signs and Symptoms – if the person:

  • Cannot be awakened, is unconscious or only semi-conscious
  • Has cold, clammy, pale or bluish skin
  • Has irregular breathing, or is breathing less than 8 times per minute
  • Vomits while “sleeping” or passed out, or doesn’t wake up after vomiting

GET HELP! Do not wait! Turn the person on their side to help prevent choking.

Contact:

  • Your Hall Director or RA, or any administrative staff
  • If on campus call TCU Police 817-257-7777 (or 7777 from any on campus phone)
  • If you are off campus, call 911

TCU’s main concern is for the well-being, health, and safety of its students.  In short, the Medical Amnesty/Good Samaritan Policy outlines that:

  • An individual who calls for emergency assistance on behalf of person experiencing an alcohol or other drug related emergency will not face formal disciplinary action by the University for the possession or use of Alcohol and other drugs. They, as the Good Samaritan, and their friend, as the person in medical need, are both covered by the policy.

To review all of TCU’s policies regarding alcohol and drugs, as well as information about procedures and sanctions please consult the TCU Student Handbook: https://tcu.codes

Please speak with your Hall Director regarding violations received in the residence hall, or the Dean of Students office regarding violations received by TCU Police. Click here to learn about sanctions for alcohol or drug violations. If you are found in violation of the alcohol policy for the first time, you are required to complete the following:

  1. Pay $75 fine
  2. Complete an online alcohol education course
  3. Attend individual meeting with a SURS provider

Students have three weeks from the time they are found in violation of the alcohol or drug policy to complete all required sanctions. If a student does not complete the required sanctions within that three week period, a hold will be placed on the student’s account and will remain on the registration account until all of the sanctions of the violation are complete. This hold will prevent a student from adding or registering for classes, or from getting a TCU transcript. It is in the student’s best interest to complete any requirements in as timely a manner as possible.

To inquire about a hold, please contact the Dean of Students office at 817-257-7925.

For incidents taking place in the residence hall, students have 72 hours from the time he/she receives notification of an alcohol violation from his/her Hall Director to complete the online request for an appeal hearing. To request an appeal, log on to my.tcu.edu, click Main Menu, choose “Housing and Residence Life” and then “Request PCD Meeting.” You will then be contacted by the Office of Housing and Residence Life by email to schedule and confirm the date and time of your appeal. Should your violation be dismissed, the appeal board or Hall Director will notify the Substance Use & Recovery Services office.

For documented violations made by TCUPD or otherwise off campus, a request for an appeal must be made in writing to the Dean of Student’s Office within 3 business days of the date of the initial notice letter. Students must include the grounds on which they are appealing the decision as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, Section 5.4.

Please call our office at 817-257-7100 or email surs@tcu.edu during business hours to reschedule. It is important for you to complete any requirements for an alcohol or drug violation in a timely manner

If any of the following are true for you, we encourage you to talk to someone:

  • Feeling guilty about drinking
  • Unsuccessful attempts to cut back/quit drinking
  • Lying or hiding drinking habits
  • High tolerance/need to drink or use more to achieve desired effect
  • Family history of Substance Use Disorder (i.e. addiction, alcoholism – even in remission now)
  • Persistent drinking or using, despite negative consequences

Due to perceptions and cultural norms, many college students struggle to decide whether to get help for their substance use. The myth that “you can’t have a problem until after graduation” is simply not true. The Substance Use & Recovery Services office exists to help students find solutions and treatment for substance use and related issues in order to achieve a healthy and thriving college experience.

If you are worried about a friend’s substance use, try first to speak with them directly about your concerns:

  • First of all, choose a time when he or she is sober.
  • Be factual and specific about your concerns.  Give examples of how his or her behavior concerns you. State what you have observed, rather than opinion.
  • Do what you can to encourage your friend to make an appointment with the Substance Use & Recovery Services office and use the resources available to her/him.  However, remember the only person you can change is yourself.
  • Contact us if you would like more information or want to discuss your concerns with one of our staff.
  • Attend The Ripple Effect peer support community meetings for encouragement and hope from other students in similar situations