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When significant events impact a college campus, responding quickly and effectively can make all the difference in helping the community recover. Developed to support institutions in responding to distressing events, the TimelyCare Campus Emotional Emergency Program (CEEP) has been activated across various institutions in response to a range of emotional emergencies and scenarios.
Since 2022, increasingly frequent local, national and world events have occurred that demand in-the-moment coordinated responses from institutions to keep their community members safe and supported. From local weather emergencies such as the wildfires in the west, hurricanes in the southeast, and violent attacks such as the Bourbon Street incident on New Year’s Day, to protests across the country, TimelyCare has responded to and supported institutions in ensuring community members have access to self-care tools, peer support and emotional/mental health care 24/7/365.
While some scenarios can be anticipated or forecasted, many events that have required a coordinated response in recent months have been unexpected and ongoing. Institutions must consider how to prepare in advance for not only direct impacts on their local campus community but for how they will support students, faculty and staff impacted by events occurring around the world, as they travel to domestic and international academic, athletic and personal events, and events that may occur during the academic year and when students are on break from school.
If you’re a university counselor, mental health professional, or college student, here’s everything you need to know about how CEEP works and its critical role on campuses.
What is the CEEP program?
Built on postvention best practices, Timely Care’s CEEP supports campuses during emotional emergencies—such as natural disasters, acts of violence, or the sudden loss of a student or faculty member, ensuring that affected communities receive guidance and appropriate care, helping everyone return to normal campus operations more smoothly.
The Goals of CEEP include:
- Providing immediate, accessible support to students and the community during/after the event.
- Reducing the strain on on-campus mental health resources.
- Offering students a range of ways to access support tailored to their needs.
Who is eligible?
All TimelyCare partner institutions have access to various self-serve content and resources—such as educational and self-care materials—available whenever needed to aid during crises. CEEP activates enhanced support tailored to the specific needs of the institution.
To activate CEEP services tailored for a specific event, the partner school’s representative should coordinate with their TimelyCare Customer Success Manager to ensure they can access the full range of available resources.
When should CEEP Be activated?
CEEP is designed to address a wide range of emotional emergencies that affect campus communities. While it is often modeled on postvention practices following a loss, it is equally relevant in other impactful scenarios, including:
- Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, wildfires).
- Events disrupting campus operations (e.g., protests).
- Threats of violence or traumatic experiences within the community.
- The sudden loss of faculty, staff, or students.
CEEP ensures that campuses have the resources to address emotional distress during these events, offering immediate and effective emotional and mental health support.
How can a campus activate CEEP?
To activate CEEP services, a school representative (such as the TimelyCare primary point of contact) should follow these steps:
- Notify TimelyCare by directly contacting the Customer Success Manager or Customer Support.
- Provide necessary details about the event.
- Follow guidance from the TimelyCare team, which will alert the TimelyCare CEEP response team and recommend support options tailored to the institution’s needs.
TimelyCare also offers access to its self-serve platform, TimelyCampus, where schools can download and utilize various educational materials and marketing assets to address community needs during an emotional emergency.
Pro-Tip for Schools:
Include TimelyCare information in your internal communications during an emotional emergency. Make it easy for students to access support by including details about available services, step-by-step instructions on registration, and links to relevant resources. Self-serve materials include templates and suggested language to use and disseminate quickly.
How has CEEP helped students and schools?
The positive impact of CEEP on partner schools and students is undeniable. According to an analysis conducted by TimelyCare during the 2023-2024 academic year, schools observed the following after activating CEEP:
Higher utilization of mental health services
Within two weeks of an emotional emergency, there was a rise in TimelyCare service usage—including Scheduled Counseling and TalkNow sessions—compared to the weeks prior. Sending app-based push notifications increased engagement even further.
Improved student well-being
Students reported reduced distress levels after a single visit, aligning with TimelyCare’s usual pattern of meeting immediate needs and excellent enduring results.
Reduced pressure for on-campus services
By successfully meeting their needs for timely support, CEEP alleviated some of the pressure on university counseling centers.
Campus surveys also revealed strong approval for the program, with administrators confirming that CEEP successfully met their needs for timely, effective support.
One school administrator shared, “Knowing we had the TimelyCare team ready to assist us during such a challenging event gave us peace of mind. Their swift action and resources ensured our students felt supported and cared for.”
TimelyCare’s data shows that programs like CEEP meet immediate needs and foster a culture of psychological safety and support on campuses. Schools enabling push notifications and promoting self-care or peer community tools saw increased engagement with digital resources, further enhancing recovery and resiliency among students.
Does your campus community have the resources needed to thrive?
Why TimelyCare customers should explore CEEP
For existing TimelyCare customers, CEEP represents an invaluable tool for addressing emotional emergencies and preserving the welfare of both students and staff. Here’s why you should know more about it:
- Be proactive: Partner with your TimelyCare Customer Success Manager to familiarize yourself with available processes and resources before an event occurs.
- Leverage digital tools: Access self-serve resources via the TimelyCampus platform—these promotional materials are instrumental during times of distress.
- Communicate effectively: Ensure your institution’s crisis management team is well-versed in TimelyCare services so that information can be swiftly disseminated if the need arises.
Integrate TimelyCampus into crisis management planning
Ensure your institution’s crisis management team is well-versed in TimelyCare services. Download and provide the crisis management team with communication templates and promotional materials to integrate into their response plans.
The TimelyCare Campus Emotional Emergency Program (CEEP) embodies our mission to provide rapid, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health support to campus communities. Whether responding to a natural disaster or coping with the loss of a community member, CEEP helps institutions support students when they need it most.
If you’re a TimelyCare partner, connect with your Customer Success Manager today to learn more about incorporating CEEP into your campus’s crisis response plans. Together, we can promote well-being and resilience on campuses everywhere.
