Falcon Family Update

September 2022 Newsletter

UMAlert — University of Montevallo’s Emergency Alert System
Counseling Services at the University of Montevallo
Alertus Mobile App – A Panic Button on Your Phone
Important Dates to Remember

UMAlert — University of Montevallo’s Emergency Alert System

The University of Montevallo utilizes a state-of-the-art, rapid alert system called UMAlert. This system provides members of the UM community with the most advanced rapid communication program currently available for schools.

UMAlert enhances the timeliness of UM’s emergency communications and provides the University with a convenient and effective tool for informing students, faculty and staff of human or natural threats.

Through UMAlert, members of the University community, whether on campus or not, can be notified within moments of an urgent event. Emergency messages can be sent via telephone (landline and cell), voicemail, text messaging and email.

New user accounts are automatically registered twice a month (on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays). Students may add parent emails/phone numbers as needed to their UMAlert contact list if they would like their parents to receive the alerts. To log in, go to myschoolcast.com/go/um and use your official UM username and password.

If you have any questions or login issues, or if you have forgotten your login information, please email umalert@montevallo.edu.   


Counseling Services at the University of Montevallo

Counseling Services (CS) works to address the mental health, emotional, safety and physical needs of the UM community by providing services and resources that respect the privacy, dignity and diverse backgrounds of each individual, support student development, promote self-advocacy and empower people to reach their academic, personal, emotional and social goals.

If your student experiences an emergency or needs immediate assistance, they can call 205-665-6245 or stop by the Counseling Services Office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For after-hour emergencies, students can contact the Freddie Support Line, CS’s 24/7/365 mental health support line at 833-434-1217 to speak with a licensed therapist. For life-threatening emergencies, they should contact UMPD at 205-665-6155 or go to the closest emergency room. The Counseling Services Office is located in Puryear House.

Services and Resources
Individual Counseling
Short-term individual counseling is available to currently enrolled students, faculty and staff at no cost. Our counselors can help you manage the stress of being a college student, improve your relationships, balance your responsibilities and help you handle everyday life, among other things. In addition, our counselors are trained and experienced in treating a variety of mental health issues.

Case Management
Students can meet with the case manager for help managing complex issues. Our case manager can support you and help you connect to campus and community resources, serve as an advocate and help you make a plan to succeed at UM.

Food and Financial Assistance
Non-perishable food, toiletry items and limited financial assistance are available to students facing food insecurity or unexpected financial hardships. For more information about eligibility and access to these services, visit Food & Financial Assistance.

Wellness Hub
Wellness Hub is an online collection of articles and videos on mental health and wellness topics including mental and emotional health, fitness and nutrition, academic performance, stress management, healthy relationships and more. To access the Wellness Hub, visit connectwellnesshub.com or download the CampusWell app and search for the University of Montevallo.

Group Counseling and Workshops
Each semester, groups and workshops are offered to help students learn how to cope more effectively with life, learn new knowledge and skills and connect with people who have similar experiences or situations.

Consultation
Counseling Services staff is available to consult and assist members of the UM community with concerning situations or helping individuals they are concerned about.

Prevention and Awareness
Sexual Violence Prevention
UM is dedicated to preventing and addressing sexual assault, domestic and dating violence and stalking on campus. To learn more about campus or community resources or to report an incident of sexual violence, visit Sexual Assault Survivor Resources.

Drug and Alcohol Prevention
UM is committed to providing an environment free from illegal drug use and the abuse of alcohol. For information about the steps UM is taking to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, visit Student Conduct.


Alertus Mobile App – A Panic Button on Your Phone

The Alertus Mobile Recipient App offers a panic button feature that allows users to request help by sending geo-targeted incident reports directly to the University of Montevallo Police Department (UMPD). The reports are received and handled by the University Police. For more information about the Alertus App and for set up information, download the Alertus Mobile App Instructions.


Important Dates to Remember

Oct. 10                     Mid-Semester Week begins
Oct. 13                     Founders’ Day
Oct. 24                     Last day for course or semester withdrawal (all students)
Oct. 31                     Pre-registration for spring and summer semesters begins for currently enrolled graduate students
Nov. 2                      Pre-registration for spring and summer semesters begins for currently enrolled undergraduate students (according to classification)
Nov. 23                    8 a.m. — residence halls close for Thanksgiving (except Brooke Hall, Lund Hall and Peck Hall)
Nov. 23-25               Thanksgiving holidays (University closed)
Nov. 27                    Residence halls re-open at 2 p.m.
Nov. 28                    Classes resume
Dec. 5-9                   Final exams
Dec. 9                      UM Commencement/residence halls close for Winter Break at 5 p.m. (7 p.m. for graduates)
Dec. 17-Jan. 2          Winter holidays (University closed)
Jan. 6                        8 a.m. — residence halls open for spring semester
Jan. 9                        Classes begin for spring semester