The Care Team

• Sudden decline in quality of work and grades
• Repeated absences
• Disturbing content in writing or presentations, e.g. self-injury, anger, hopelessness, isolation
• Talking about more personal issues rather than academic issues in office hours
• Classroom disruptions
• Multiple requests for extensions or turning in late work
• Doesn't respond to repeated requests for contact

• Marked changes in physical appearance including deterioration in grooming, hygiene or weight loss/gain
• Sudden change of energy and personality
• Sleeping, dozing or lethargy during class or other activities
• Intoxication, hangovers, or smelling of alcohol or cannabis
• Disoriented or "out of it"
• Emails, texts or calls at odd hours (middle of the night)
• Isolation
• Lack of follow through on promises
• Seems depressed or anxious
• Observable signs of physical injury

• Self-disclosure of personal distress that could include family problems, assault, financial difficulties, depression, anxiety or thoughts of suicide
• Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions, irritability or unusual apathy
• Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering, intimidation)
• Expressions of concern about the student by their peers
• Death of family member/friend, grief
• Lack of boundaries

• Unprovoked anger or hostility
• Verbal, written, implied or direct threats to harm self or others
• Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, rage, worthlessness, isolation, despair, acting out, suicidal ideations or violent behavior
• Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
• Stalking or harassing
• Communicating threats/disturbing comments via email, written correspondence, texting or phone

Call University Public Safety, 781-736-3333, immediately if there is imminent danger to the student, you or anyone else.

Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Use a non-confrontational approach using a calm voice with talking and asking questions.

Actively listen to the student’s concerns by making eye contact and giving them your full attention. Restate what the student says to make sure you understand what is causing their distress. Choose an appropriate time and place to have the conversation.

Don’t be afraid to ask the student if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others. By asking the question, you are not instilling the thought.

Help the student get to the next step, (e,g. sit with them while they make an appointment, contact their academic advisor).

Remember, you are not a confidential resource but honor their privacy as best you can. Help the student contact the Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC), Health Center, Academic Services, their Graduate Program Advisor or other resource while you sit with them.

For academic distress, including poor grades, frequent class absences, not responding to outreach, lack of attention in class or other academic concerns about a student, contact:

• Academic Services for undergraduates, 781-736-3470
• Office of Graduate Affairs for graduate students, 781-736-3547

Submit an I Care Form for a student that shows signs of distress, but you are not clear on how serious it is or if you feel uneasy and concerned about the student. If you have not heard from or physically seen a student, who typically is in regular contact, you should also fill out an I Care Form. Information about campus resources for students in distress can also be found on the Care Team website.

Assist the student in making a phone call to the appropriate office to address their concern. For example, if a student seems upset and is open to a suggestion of seeing someone in the Brandeis Counseling Center, find them the phone number and sit with them while they call to make an appointment. Working with a student in the moment to make a call is often more effective than giving them information and assuming they will follow-up on their own.

If a student expresses concerns about discrimination, harassment or sexual violence, they should be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity. Remind the student that you are not a confidential resource prior to the student disclosing details of the alleged incident. There are several options for students to report concerns, which can be accessed on the OEO website. OEO also provides confidential resources for students to discuss their situation.

Please note campus offices are open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m .to 5 p.m. during the academic year.

Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC)

781-736-3730 or bcc@brandeis.edu (non-urgent email)

The BCC provides counseling for graduate and undergraduate students. Treatment is available in English, Farsi, Hebrew, Mandarin and Spanish. All concerns are addressed with sensitivity to and respect for diversity and individuality. We maintain the strictest standards of privacy and confidentiality and serve as a resource to the entire Brandeis community.

Student Health Center

781-736-3677

The Brandeis Health Center is a resource for the campus student community providing medical assessment, diagnosis, treatment and consultation, as well as preventive wellness health promotion. For non-life threatening after hours medical issues that cannot wait until the next day to be addressed call 781-736-3677.

Office of Equal Opportunity

781-736-4806 or oeo@brandeis.edu 

OEO addresses all issues of discrimination, harassment and sexual violence on campus.

PARC (Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center)

781-736-3371 or parc@brandeis.edu

PARC is a confidential, student-centered resource serving members of the Brandeis community who have been impacted by violence and those who want to contribute to the anti-violence movement.

Center for Spiritual Life

781-736-3570 or slife@brandeis.edu

Brandeis chaplains offer counseling, support and community to all students. The chaplains oversee on-campus worship and student religious life while also offering community support in times of joy and crisis. The Center for Spiritual Life wants students of any, all, or no religious tradition to feel at home connecting.

Chaplains are confidential resources.

Please note campus offices are open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m .to 5 p.m. during the academic year.

International Students and Scholars

781-736-3480, Kutz Hall, Room 215, 2nd Floor

ISSO provides support and guidance on immigration regulations and policies that effect your status while students are in the U.S.

Dean of Students Office

781-736-3600 or deanofstudentsoffice@brandeis.edu

The Dean of Students Office serves as a centralized resource to advocate for and connect students to both university and community programs, offices and individuals.

Gender and Sexuality Center

781-736-8583 or gsc@brandeis.edu

The Gender and Sexuality Center (GSC) is a professionally staffed resource center and an office of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion that prioritizes the success and support of Brandeis LGBTQIA2S+ community members.

Intercultural Center

781-736-8580 or interculturalcenter@brandeis.edu

The Brandeis Intercultural Center is committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive haven where racially minoritized and Indigenous groups can come together to connect, build coalitions and cultivate mutual understanding. The Brandeis Intercultural Center is home to 17 affiliated student clubs and organizations.