Resource guide

• Avoiding or isolating from others
• New or repeated behaviors that push the limits or interfere with community living
• Talking or writing in an odd, disorganized, or aggressive manner – including comments about death, suicide, or threat of harming self or others
• Frequently missed classes or assignments, or decline in grades or quality of work
• Disturbing content in writings or social media posts
• Repeatedly seeking personal advice

• Marked changes in physical appearance (e.g., poor grooming or hygiene, sudden weight gain/loss)
• Depressed or lethargic mood or functioning
• Significant changes in sleep, appetite/eating habits, mood, or concentration
• Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
• Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuana
• Increase in frequency, quantity, or type of drugs/alcohol used
• Rapid speech or erratic behavior
• Observable signs of injury (e.g., cuts or bruises)

• Self-disclosure of personal distress (e.g., family problems, financial difficulties, sexual violence, discrimination, legal difficulties)
• Unusual or disproportionate emotional response to events
• Excessive tearfulness or panic reactions
• Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering, intimidation, threatening)
• Expressions of concern about the student by others

• Verbal, written, or implied references to suicide, violence toward others, or self-injury
• Unprovoked anger or hostility/physical violence (e.g., shoving, grabbing, use of weapon)
• Stalking or harassing others
• Communicating threats/disturbing comments via email, texting, phone calls, or social media
• Academic assignments dominated by themes of significant hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, violence, or self-injury

Call IU Police (812-855-4111) or 911if you are concerned about an imminent danger to the student, you, or anyone else.

Take a few slow, deep breaths to help calm yourself and think clearly. Use a calm voice when talking and asking questions.

If this is not an imminently dangerous situation, take time to think through what might be the most helpful next step.

Make eye contact, sit with an open posture, and give your full attention. Restate what the student says to make sure you understand what is causing the distress, and to help the student feel both heard and believed.

• Share your observations. Let the student know that you’ve noticed a change:
  • "You seem really tired in class lately. Is everything OK?"
  • "I noticed you’ve missed class a few times and your grades are dropping. I just want to make sure you're OK."
• If the student makes a statement about wanting to harm themselves or others, stay calm and consider the following:
  • Ask them if they have a plan or a timeline
  • If you believe imminent danger exists, call 911
  • If not imminent, ask the student if you can walk them to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to speak with someone.
  • If not imminent, submit a Care Referral

• Express empathy and concern for the student’s situation:
  • "This sounds like a tough thing to go through and I want to help."
  • "I'm sorry. That sounds like a really difficult situation."
• Refer to resources
  • "I'd like to submit a Care Referral for you so that you can connect with someone who can help you access the appropriate resources.”
  • "It sounds like you might benefit from connecting with the Student Care and Resource Center who are experts in campus and community resources. You can submit a Care Referral for yourself if you would like. I plan to submit one for you to get the ball rolling. They’ll reach out to you by email to share some resources and invite you to meet with them.”

Ask others for help. View a complete list of of suggested referrals

The student’s behavior is clearly dangerous or threatening, including possible self-harm or harm to others.

• Call 911 or IU Police (812-855-4111).

I am not concerned for anyone’s immediate safety, but the student is having significant academic and/or personal issues and could use some support.

• Submit a Care Referral

• The student is with me currently and shows signs of distress, but it is not clear how serious it is. I feel uneasy and/or really concerned about the student.
  • Call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
  • Submit a Care Referral
• The student is not with me currently, but I am concerned about what they said (in an email/call/social media) or what they did (acted bizarrely, were aggressive/disruptive) OR how they appeared (disheveled,as if drunk/drugged).
  • Submit a Care Referral
  • Call the On-Call Response team

• 911
• IU Police Department: 812-855-4111

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Emergency Walk-in Service: Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Crisis Line: 812-855-5711, option 1. Available anytime CAPS is closed. For students, faculty, staff, and families concerned about an IUB student.
• Sexual Assault Crisis Service (SACS) Crisis Line: 812-855-8900. Available 24/7 to students, faculty, staff, and families concerned about an IUB student who has been sexually assaulted.
• 988: National Suicide and Crisis Hotline

• Care Referral
• Student Care and Resource Center: 812-856-CARE (2273)
• Dean of Students Office(for faculty/staff consultation): 812-855-8187

• Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 812-855-5711. Services are provided free to students who have paid the student health fee.
• Sexual Assault Crisis Service (SACS): 812-855-8900. Services are free.
• IU TimelyCare: Indiana students have FREE, 24/7 access to virtual care services with TimelyCare — the virtual health and well-being platform from TimelyCare, designed for college students. Students do not need insurance to access TimelyCare services.
• Counseling and Wellness Clinic (IU School of Education): 812-856-8302

• Substance Use Intervention Services: 812-856-3898
• Accessible Educational Services: 812-855-7578
• Office of Student Conduct: 812-855-5419
• Student Advocates Office: 812-855-0761
• Office for Sexual Violence Prevention & Victim Advocacy: 812-856-6687