Concussions

student studying at table in pollinator garden

Swarthmore is a rigorous academic institution. As a Swarthmore student, you have much to contribute to many endeavors. A concussion, however, can put many of those endeavors on hold. A concussion can be a serious and potentially life-threatening injury. If you think you have a concussion, please pursue appropriate care by seeking attention at the Student Health and Wellness Center, the Sports Medicine Department, or by calling Public Safety's Emergency number 610-328-8333.

Swarthmore has a concussion team to help you navigate your health concerns and your academics. The team includes:

  • for students: Casey Anderson, Director of Student Health and Wellness, 610-328-8058
  • for student athletes: Sports Medicine Department (Dr. Charles Hummer, Director of Sports Medicine and Team Physician, Marie Mancini, Director of Sports Medicine; Allison Hudak, Head Athletic Trainer; Christie Orgera, Assistant Athletic Trainer; Sandy Viguers, Athletic Trainee Intern) and concussion specialists Drs. Eric Lake and Robert Cabry.
  • for academic support: interim dean of academic success Dean Eric Jensen (ejensen1@swarthmore.edu, 610-328-8249).

If your condition persists for six weeks or longer and/or your medical needs might require longer-term disability accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services.

For faculty and staff

If a student reaches out to you about a concussion, please encourage them to seek medical care and to work with the concussion team. If a student has been in conversation with the dean of academic success and the student has given permission to share information with you, then the dean of academic success will reach out to you as-needed about academic assistance and the student's return to study.