Crimson Folder

These are common indicators, but students may present with behavior not listed.

• Verbal, written or implied references to suicide, homicide, assault, or self-injury.   
• Unprovoked anger, hostility, and/or threat of physical violence.  
• Expression of hopelessness, isolation, rage, despair, or helplessness.   
• Stalking or harassing behavior.  
• Self-disclosure of personal distress like physical or sexual assault, discrimination or harassment.   
• Sudden decline in academic engagement, assignments, or grades.  
• Classroom disruption.  
• Marked changes in physical appearance.  
• Strange or bizarre behavior.   
• Visibly intoxicated.  
• Observable signs of injury.  

• Safety first – call Campus Police if you are worried about the immediate danger or well-being of a student.  
• Evaluate what is happening in the moment.   
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. It is a common reaction and means you care.   
• Invite the student into conversation.   
• Offer a drink of water, small snack and private space.   

• Listen and validate.   
• Ask open-ended questions.  
• Be direct.  
• Silence is okay.   
• Do not promise confidentiality or non-action.  
  • “You don’t have to do this alone, I’m here with you.”  
  • “Are you having thoughts of suicide?”   
  • “Are you thinking about hurting someone else?”   
  • “I am concerned about you.”  
  • “What you are saying makes me very worried. Let's talk about steps we can take right now to get you help and immediate support.”     

Through the conversation, consider these questions:   

• Are they in a dangerous situation?   
• Are they in immediate  danger to themselves or someone else?   
• If yes to any of these questions– call Campus Police at 508-831-5555 if on campus, or 911 if off campus, for immediate support.   
• If no to any above questions – begin to mobilize support. You can find specific resources below.    

• If the student is a danger to themselves or someone else – call Campus Police or 911.   
• They might need some other type of assistance. Refer the student to the most appropriate campus resource based on the concern.   
• Submit an I’m Concerned about a Student form.   
• Give concrete help by walking them to an appropriate office during business hours. For example, to the Dean of Students Office or the SDCC, for additional support.  
• If it is not during business hours but you would like to consult with a mental health professional, you can call after-hours crisis support via Protocall through the SDCC. Call 508-831-5540 and listen to the prompts to speak with a counselor.    
• Download the WPI Safe App  to access Campus Police and 911. 

These are common indicators but students may present with behavior not listed.  

• Inconsistent attendance, fluctuation of quality/quantity of work, or excess requests for extensions.   
• Unusual response to events (panic or excessive emotion).  
• Concern expressed by peers.   
• Self-disclosure of personal distress like family problems, financial concerns, or legal issues.   
• Lethargic, low energy or excessive fatigue.   
• Unkempt appearance that is different from previous observations.   
• Agitation in meetings.   
• Lack of engagement with others socially or in academic group work settings.   
• Disclosure of on-going anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns that are impacting their ability to engage in school or co-curricular experiences.   

• Take a moment to take a deep breath, if this is not an emergency you have a moment to think about the best next step.  
• Invite the student to sit down or into a private space.  
• Gather information about the concern or issue.   

• Listen and validate.   
• Ask open-ended questions.  
• Be direct.  
• Silence is okay.   
• Do not promise confidentiality or non-action.  
• You could say things like:   
  • “Thank you for sharing.”  
  • “This sounds like a lot for you, who else have you told?”   
  • “What support do you think might be helpful?”   
  • “This sounds overwhelming. This is a bit out of my expertise, and I’d like to connect you to someone who can support you. Let’s send an email together or let’s walk there together.”    

Through the conversation, consider these questions:   

• Are there observable impacts on the student from your conversation thus far? If so, does it impact their immediate safety?   
• What does the student need?  
• Is the student connected to resources on- or off-campus? For example, friend network, community group, therapist, SDCC, etc.   

• Is the student a danger to themselves or others? Call Campus Police at 508-831-5555 if on campus, or 911 if off campus. 
• Collaborate on next steps. If they cannot come up with something, offer some ideas.   
• Complete the I’m Concerned About a Student form  
• Consult a colleague or bring someone else in the conversation with student permission to help guide connection to support.   
• Download the WPI Safe App to access Campus Police, 911 and other supportive resources. 
• Follow up with the student directly is strongly encouraged.   

These are common indicators but students may present with behavior not listed.  

• Feeling disappointed or frustrated in situations where this is a reasonable and appropriate response.   
• Feeling stressed tied to expected student responsibilities and experiences.   
• Little impairment to day-to-day life.   
• Impacts that are transient and typically go away with time or low-level support.  
• Students sharing they do not feel they have a group, support, system or a sense of belonging.   

• Invite the student to sit down or into a private space.  
• Gather information about the concern or issue.   

• Listen and validate.   
• Ask open-ended questions.  
• Be direct.  
• Silence is okay.   
• You could say things like:  
  • “This sounds really hard right now.”  
  • “This is a stressful situation. What can I do to help you?”   
  • “Do you want to problem solve right now or just vent? Either is okay”   

• Ask student what support they might need.  
• What are they hopeful for/looking forward to?  
• Ask them about action steps they have already taken. If applicable, encourage the student to follow up in the moment with an action they have already taken.   

• It’s possible the student just wanted to talk with someone, though you should inquire about what they see as the best next step.   
• Collaboratively brainstorm about next steps and options for connection to support and resources.  
• Be in touch with the Dean of Students Office if the student has shared they lost a loved one.   
• Share options for engagement – for example: the Center for Well-Being, Have You Herd emails, Student Activities and Clubs, etc.    
• Complete the I’m Concerned About a Student form  
• Follow up with the student directly is strongly encouraged