Students of Concern

Use this guide to help notice the signs of distress and respond in an effective way. If you're not sure who to call, consult the resources below.

Levels of Distress: Concern

Visible distress, sadness, crying, irritability, anger, anxiety, traumatic life event, absences from class, missing assignments, noticeable change or very poor quality in academic performance, lack of motivation, social withdrawal. Please be aware that early intervention is important, but it can take a few days or longer to connect students with support.

What to do: Talk with the student directly. Concern covers a wide range of behaviors and your observations and conversations with a student may provide information that the situation is more urgent.

In addition, submit an entry to the https://cornell1.force.com/c/s/academic-concern system. Student services staff check the site daily for new entries and reach out to students promptly.

Levels of Distress: Urgent Situation

Expressions of hopelessness, talk of suicide or harm to others, being out of touch with reality.

What to do: Get assistance and consult with the resources below as needed. The Office of Student Services can provide support. If AAP resources are not available, call Cornell Health (607) 255-5155 and walk the student to Cornell Health (110 Ho Plaza). Outside of business hours, Cornell Health uses an answering service and there is a local crisis line (607) 272-1616 that offers 24/7 support.

Levels of Distress: Emergency

Immediate threat of harm to self or others.

What to do: Get immediate help. Call Cornell Police at 911. Tell them everything you know about the student and the situation, including who else is present. The police will coach you about what to do next.

Resources

Cornell Health

Cornell Health provides medical care, counseling, and support services for students on Cornell's Ithaca campus. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) staff can provide consultation and support for faculty and staff who are working with students of concern.

  • Cornell Health Website
  • 110 Ho Plaza (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., limited services 5 p.m.–7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
  • (607) 255-5155, 24/7 phone support

Cornell Victim Advocates

Support for individuals who have experienced harassment, physical or emotional/mental assault, stalking, violent or potentially violent relationships, sexual assault or rape, bias-related incidents, hazing, or any other victimization.

Bias/Harassment Concerns

The university has processes to report and provide resolutions for individuals who have concerns related to the treatment they have received from others.

Title IX Coordinator

For gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, sexual assault, domestic and dating violence, stalking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of sexual misconduct.

Additional Resources

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