Depending on the nature of the situation, you may want to draw from a number of on-campus or local resources. One of your first steps is to decide how urgent the problem is. Then, find a good match.

If the situation is an emergency 

If you have a concern about immediate threats to safety, call 911 or the Cornell Police: 607 255-1111. Examples of an emergency include:

• aggressive actions (toward self, other humans, animals or property)
• behavior that is unresponsive to the external environment 
• incoherence/ being passed out from alcohol or drug intoxication 
• disconnection from reality/psychosis 
• unmitigated disruptive behavior
• any other situation that feels threatening or dangerous to you
  

If it is NOT an emergency, but still urgent 

Urgent situations which should be directed to CAPS (255-5208 during business hours; 255-5155 after hours) or the Cornell Police (255-1111 anytime) include a student who:

• expresses extreme hopelessness, depression or suicidal thinking (but not an imminent threat)
• appears to be out of touch with reality (but not threatening)
• sends ranting or rambling emails that do not make much sense
• isn’t eating or is demonstrating other unhealthy eating habits
  

 The following are examples of situations that are concerning and require a response, but may not necessitate an initial call to CAPS: Consider the student who:

• is not fulfilling class obligations (e.g., assignments, exams, attendance at office hours or appointments)
• seems to be isolating in his/her residence hall room
• not attending to personal hygiene
• plummets academically   
• a student who is frequently observed crying
• a student who is practicing high-risk sexual or drinking behavior 
• is over-exercising 
• alludes to or directly expresses emotional distress
  

In these instances, you may want to first call for consultation and advice:

• The student's college/school's academic advising or student services office
• Office of the Dean of Students, Office of Student Support:255-1115 for advice regarding appropriate resources for any student 
• Residential Programs Office: 255-5533 for consultation regarding a student who lives on campus (including graduate & professional student housing) 
• International Students and Scholars Office: 255-5243 for consultation regarding any international student (graduate or undergrad)
  

They can contact other network partners/resources to get a broader picture of the student, advise you on next steps &/or work with you to create a plan to support the student.

Resources for Staff and Faculty Support

Working to support a student experiencing any level of distress can be physically and emotionally draining. 

The Faculty/Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) is available to all faculty and staff members for support/de-briefing during or after a challenging situation; 800 327-2255 (option 1).

The Office of Workforce Diversity & Inclusion addresses equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, and the "balance"  between work and personal life; 607 255-3976.