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Review of Appalachian State

I feel disappointed in the experience that my chil...

I feel disappointed in the experience that my child had in the Duke TIP program at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

My child had a medical issue, which was described on her medical documents, at a social function and we received a call, and EMS was notified. However, instead of treating the medical issue initially, she was told she was having a panic attack and someone immediately stated someone from "psyche" needed to be called. This was upsetting to my child who was on the verge of losing consciousness. In addition, other students were frightened because EMS and police were on the scene and the music was turned up louder, and they were put in another area with no explaination. They were afraid, and other students had panic attacks because of the way it was handled. Treatment was received and the program was continued with a care plan.

Within days I was notified that my child was ill again, this time with a respiratory infection, yet the symptoms were nausea and vomiting, dizziness and fluid behind the ears. She was given medication. I called to check in and couldn't get in contact with my child so I called the office. I was told there was no report of absence from class so I felt assured. However, I received a call from my child from the dorm room. Class was not attended, no one knew the whereabouts of my child, and no checks were done. I called the office to let them know where my child was, the illness, and asked if someone could please check in. I was told this would happen every 30 minutes and there was an apology for the confusion.

I came to visit and upon returning to the school, there was a trip planned for laser tag. I asked if my child would be allowed to go, given the medical issues. I was told "yes". My child was allowed on the bus and on this trip. Once there, that changed. My child wasn't allowed to participate and the medical incident was given as the cause, despite what I was told in person upon asking.

Another trip was made up the mountain. I asked the nurse if laser tag wasn't allowed, was it safe for her to do this and was it a hike. I was told the temperature would be milder and this was not a hike and shouldn't be strenuous. Another medical episode occurred after this and it was managed without medical personnel.

A second trip to the clinic was made and I received a call from the doctor saying my child was there for continued upper respiratory infection and nausea. I had to explain her incident of the day before, as she was not at all notified of any of it. She stated she was glad she called me for more information because it was helpful.

Then, I received a call from my child stating a one on one meeting occurred in the office for a discussion, suggesting an eating disorder because of the nausea and lack of appetite that was experienced during the time there.
It was expressed to me that it felt like an interrogation and made my child very uncomfortable.

All of these things lead me to feel this program is disorganized. I do not feel safe letting my child return in the future.