Assisting Students in Distress

Take action ASAP if:

• Student expresses thoughts of suicide or homicide (verbally or in written work)
• Student has history of self-injury and reports desire to engage in this again
• Student is agitated, emotionally unstable, or inconsolable

Step 1: Tell student you are concerned. Name the behaviors you have observed. Express your desire for them to feel better and succeed. Tell them you need to call Counseling Services.

Step 2: Call Counseling Services (215-572-2967) for guidance. You may be directed to bring the student down for an assessment. If after 5pm, call Public Safety (215-572-2999).

No immediate action needed if

• Student reports anxiety or depression but denies thoughts of suicide or homicide
• Student is upset about a recent stressor but is not a danger to self or others
• Student’s appearance, behavior or work has changed

Step 1: Tell student you are concerned. Name behaviors you have observed. Refer them to appropriate campus resources: Counseling Services, LRN, Career Education, Resident & Commuter Life Concern (on Counseling website). Describe your interaction with or observations of the student. 

Optional Step 2: Complete an AU Concern form (Student Affairs). Describe your interaction with or observations of the student. Once submitted, the concern goes directly to Student Affairs

For All Emergencies After Office Hours and Weekends
Contact Public Safety at 215-572-2999 (x2999 from campus phone)

For a Medical Emergency
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Contact Student Health Services at 215-572-2966