Care Team Mission
Step Up and Speak Out
Alcohol and Drug Concerns
to provide mandated services for Kent State University students.
Referrals to the Care Team may be made by contacting the Dean
Diversion Program and works with the Office of Student Conduct,
coordinates a response to student identified as reasonably posing
Services are available for students who are concerned about
Kent State University’s Care Team is a cross-divisional crisis
management committee that collaboratively assesses and
a potential threat to self, others, or the University community.
of Students at 330.672.4050 for a unified institutional response.
their alcohol and/or drug use. University Health Services offers a
Student Legal Services, and local courts and probation services
After being seen for a comprehensive assessment, an appropriate
intervention plan will be established which may include individual
counseling, group counseling, and/or an alcohol or drug awareness
workshop. University Health Services can also facilitate referrals to
Alcohol and Drug Resources
Psychological Services, University Health Services
P: 330.672.2487
Alcohol and Drug Diversion Program, University
Health Services
P: 330.672.8247
Townhall II
P: 330.678.3006
communitiy providers for more intensive substance use treatment.
Kent State University Student Resources
Faculty/Staff Resources
Office of the Student Ombuds
P: 330.672.9494
W: www.kent.edu/emsa/ombuds.cfm
Dean of Students
P: 330.672.4050
W: www.kent.edu/emsa
Office of Student Conduct
P: 330.672.2753
W: www.kent.edu/emsa/studentconduct
Coleman Access Services
P: 330.269.3555
W: www.coleman-bh.com/portage
Office of Sexual and Relationship Violence
Support Services [SRVSS]
P: 330.672.8016
W: www.kent.edu/sart
Counseling and Human Development Center,
College of Education, Health, and Human Services
P : 330.672.2208
W: www.kent.edu/ehhs/chdc/index.cfm
Office of Health Promotion, University Health Services
P: 330.672.2320
W: www.kent.edu/uhs/ohp
Center for Student Involvement
P : 330.672.2480
W: www.kent.edu/csi
Office of Global Education
P: 330.672.7980
W: www.kent.edu/globaleducation
Center for Adult and Veteran Services
P : 330.672.7933
W: www.kent.edu/cavs
Dogs on Campus/Pet Therapy Program
P: 330.672.8837
Early Alert, Office of Student Success
W: www.kent.edu/success/faculty/earlyalerts
Medical Services, University Health Services
P: 330.672.2322
W: www.kent.edu/uhs
KSU Police Services
P: 911 [Emergency]
P: 330.672.2212 [Non-emergency]
W: www.kent.edu/police
Psychological Clinic (Kent Hall), Psychology Department
P: 330.672.2372
W: www.kent.edu/cas/psychology/clinic
Psychological Services, University Health Services
P: 330.672.2487
W: www.kent.edu/uhs/psych
Recreational Services
P: 330.672.4REC
W: www.kent.edu/recservices
Residence Services
P: 330.672.7000
W: www.kent.edu/housing
Student Accessibility Services
P: 330.672.3391
W: www.kent.edu/sas/index.cfm/default
Student Legal Services
P: 330.672.9550
W: www.kent.edu/sls
Student Multicultural Center
P: 330.672.8582
W: www.kent.edu/smc
Women’s Center
P: 330.672.9230
W: www.kent.edu/womenscenter
Human Resources
P: 330.672.2100
W: www.kent.edu/hr
IMPACT Employee Assistance Program
P: 800.227.6007
W: www.kent.edu/hr/benefits/eap
24-Hour Referrals & Resources
Coleman Access Services [in-person evaluation]
P: 330.296.3555
W: www.coleman-bh.com/portage
KSU Police Services
P: 911 [Emergency]
P: 330.672.2212 [Non-emergency]
W: www.kent.edu/police
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline P: 800.273.TALK [Veterans press 1]
Townhall II 24-Hour Helpline P: 330.678.HELP
P: 866.449.8518
W: www.townhall2.com
The Trevor Project
P: 866.448.7386
University Health Services 24-Hour Nurse Line P: 330.672.2326
Step Up and Speak Out is a collaborative effort of Kent State University Psychological Services, University Health Services, the Office of the Vice President for
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Police Services. - Adapted with permission from The Ohio State University
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE SAFETY OR THAT OF OTHERS, CALL 911
P: 800.273.TALK [Veterans press 1]
W: www.coleman-bh.com/portage
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
P: 330.296.3555
W: www.townhall2.com
P: 866.449.8518
Coleman Access Services
W: www.kent.edu/police
These warning signs may mean that someone is at risk for suicide. The
risk may be greater following a tragic event or loss, if the individual has
increased his/her use of alcohol or drugs, or the individual is behaving
in a reckless or agitated manner.
P: 330.678.HELP
P: 330.672.2212 [Non-emergency]
Townhall II Helpline
P: 911 [Emergency]
P: 330.672.2326
KSU Police Services
University Health Services 24-hour Nurse Line
If you are concerned about the individual’s self-harm outside of business hours, consider the following:
Warning signs that someone may be at risk of suicide:
If you are NOT concerned for your immediate safety or that of others:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Having made previous suicide attempt(s)
P: 330.672.2326
Withdrawing from friends and family
University Health Services 24-hour Nurse Line
Increasing use of alcohol and/or drugs
P: 330.672.2208
Taking risks/engaging in reckless behaviors
Counseling and Human Development Center
P: 330.672.2487
Displaying extreme mood swings
Giving away personal or prized possessions
Seeking pills, weapons, or other means to kill oneself
Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
Talking about being a burden to others
Talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain
Talking of feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide
P: 800.227.6007
KSU Student Resources
KSU Faculty/Staff Resources
Psychological Services, University Health Services
IMPACT Employee Assistance and Work/Life Program
Urge the person to seek professional help immediately, and suggest the following:
Know that talking to individuals about suicide does not increase their risk.
Take it seriously and communicate your concern.
Talk to the individual privately and acknowledge the individual’s feelings.
Do not leave him/her alone if there is a risk of self-harm.
RESPONDING TO SUICIDE RISK
Step Up and Speak Out.
It’s our campus. It’s our community. We’re all responsible.
Kent State University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for our campus community.
When it comes to individuals in emotional distress, or those who may exhibit disruptive behavior, it is
important to step up and speak out. By doing so, you can be a part of this effort. Helping those in need
strengthens our community and is an integral part of keeping the campus safe and ensuring that individuals
can be linked to appropriate services and resources. Visit us at stepupspeakout.kent.edu
Step Up and Speak Out
DEALING WITH DISTRESSED INDIVIDUALS
What is my role? How can I help?
The DOs
DO trust your intuition.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
wrong or that a person is distressed. Although emotional distress
may be expected, especially during times of high stress, you may
notice that a person is acting out of character or in ways that are
inconsistent with his/her previous behavior. You may be a resource
in times of trouble, and your expression of interest and concern may
be critical in helping the individual regain emotional stability. You may
also be in a good position to alert the university so that appropriate
interventions can occur.
Signs of possible distress
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Marked change in performance or behavior
DO speak with the individual privately.
DO let him/her know you are concerned about his/her welfare.
DO express your concern directly, in non-judgmental terms.
DO tell him/her that you are willing to help.
DO listen carefully to what he/she is upset about; use active listening.
DO acknowledge the feelings of the individual.
DO help him/her explore options.
DO point out that help is available and that seeking help is a sign of
strength and courage, rather than weakness or failure.
• DO suggest resources.
• DO make personal referrals. Provide the name of an individual when
Excessive absence or tardiness
Trouble eating and/or sleeping
Disruptive behavior
•
•
•
•
Undue aggressiveness
Exaggerated emotional response that is disproportionate
to the situation
Depressed or lethargic mood
possible, and call ahead to brief the person.
DO maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations.
DO recognize your limits.
DO enlist the help of others as appropriate.
DO document the interaction or incident.
The DON’Ts
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Marked change in personal hygiene
Excessive confusion
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Dependency (e.g., individual spends an inordinate amount of
time around you or makes excessive appointments to see you)
Behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
References to suicide
References to homicide or assault
• DON’T ignore the unusual behavior.
• DON’T minimize the situation.
• DON’T ignore warning signs about the individual’s safety or the
safety of others.
•
• DON’T judge or criticize.
• DON’T make the problem your own.
• DON’T involve yourself beyond the limits of your time, skill, or
emotional well-being.
Isolation from friends, family, or classmates
Giving away personal or prized possessions
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED FOR YOUR IMMEDIATE SAFETY OR THAT OF OTHERS, CALL 911
DEALING WITH DISRUPTIVE INDIVIDUALS
What is disruptive behavior?
Any behavior that interferes with students, faculty, or staff and
their access to an appropriate and/or safe educational or work
environment is considered disruptive. It is important to note that
classroom disruptions. Policy information regarding classroom
disruptions can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/cdfp3ud
Examples of Disruptive Behavior
• Behavior that draws inappropriate attention to oneself
• Verbal outbursts (e.g., arguing, yelling, screaming)
• Words or actions that intimidate or harass others
• Words or actions that cause others to fear for their personal safety
• Threats of physical assault or violence
How should I deal with a disruptive person?
Disruptive behavior should not be ignored. It is important to remain
The DOs
• DO listen to the person, through the anger. Use active listening.
• DO acknowledge the feelings of the individual.
• DO allow the person to vent and to tell you what is upsetting to him/her.
Use the silence to allow the person to talk it out.
• DO set limits. Explain clearly and directly what behaviors are acceptable
(e.g., “I will be willing to speak with you as long as you lower your voice”).
•
• DO trust your intuition.
• DO focus on what you can do to help resolve the situation.
• DO make personal referrals. Provide the name of an individual when
possible, and call ahead to brief the person.
• DO report the behavior to the appropriate resources on campus.
calm. Remind yourself that the person is upset about the situation—
not with you. Tell the person that such behavior is inappropriate and
that there are consequences for failing to alter or improve the disruptive
behavior. Many disruptive situations involve anger. Recognize
that the period of peak anger usually lasts 20-30 seconds. Often, it is
best to wait out the initial outburst before addressing the individual.
If you feel threatened, seek to remove yourself from the situation or
secure appropriate assistance.
Documentation
Disruptive behavior should be documented. After the situation
The DON’Ts
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
DON’T minimize the situation.
DON’T get into an argument or shouting match.
DON’T blame, ridicule, or use sarcasm.
DON’T touch or become physical.
DON’T ignore warning signs that the person is about to “explode.”
DON’T ignore your own limitations.
has been resolved, or the current incident has subsided, write a
factual, detailed account of what occurred. Use concrete terms;
24-Hour Referrals and Resources
Coleman Access Services
P : 330.296.3555
W: www.coleman-bh.com/portage
IMPACT Employee Assistance and Work/Life
Program 24-Hours a day
P : 800.227.6007
KSU Police Services
P : 911[Emergency]
P : 330.672.2212 [Non-Emergency]
W: www.kent.edu/police
Townhall II Helpline
P: 330.678.HELP
P: 866.449.8518
W: www.townhall2.com
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
P: 800.273.TALK [Veterans press 1]
The Trevor Project: Preventing suicide among LGBTQ youth
P: 866.488.7386
W: www.thetrevorproject.org
Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, and Police Services. - Adapted with permission from The Ohio State University
ice President for
University Health Services 24-Hour Nurse-Line
P : 330.672.2326 [outside of business hours]