MEMO
To: SU Faculty Colleagues
From: Kal Alston, Senior Associate Provost
Date: November 2010
Subject: Resources for emergency situations
Over the past three years, the University has enhanced policies and protocols to be
followed in case of a campus crisis or emergency situation. An institution as large as
Syracuse University must also depend on the members of the campus community to
work together in the interests of public safety and security. This communication was
designed to provide information about resources available to assist you in your work
with students, colleagues, or others.
Students in Distress
Faculty may see early signs of student distress in their roles as teachers, advisors, and
mentors. The foundational values of academic freedom and student privacy will guide
our responses to most of the information shared within the academic community;
however, any observations or communications that suggest serious disturbance or
distress cannot be ignored. If you find a student’s work or behavior disturbing, talk with
the student and share your concerns, and let the student know about available campus
resources. Depending on the outcome of this discussion, you may want to share your
concerns with someone in your school or college—your department chair or perhaps
the student affairs person in your dean’s office.
Please know that you don’t have to figure this out alone and that you are not expected
to serve a counseling or therapeutic role. There are ample resources on campus to
assist students, faculty, and staff who face challenging life circumstances. The enclosed
Campus Resources for Potential Crisis Situations—Quick Referral Guide was designed
to be a reference for referrals or sources of additional information.
One key academic professional who can assist you with questions or concerns
regarding student health and safety is Sandra Hurd, Associate Provost for Academic
Programs, 304 Steele Hall. She can be reached at x-1899 or snhurd@syr.edu
Concerns about Colleagues
If you are concerned about the behavior of a faculty or staff colleague, I encourage you
to reach out and let your colleague know about available campus and community
resources. The University’s Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) would be the
place to start. You’ll find their contact information on the enclosed Resource Guide.
You may feel the need to speak with someone about your concerns, and FSAP could
help you to assess the situation. Your department chair is a good local resource for
such concerns. If you feel more comfortable speaking with someone outside your
department, Sonya Williams, Director, Academic Human Resources, is available at
x-9095 or sywillia@syr.edu. Of course, please do not hesitate to contact me,
kalston@syr.edu, or x-5525, if you have any questions.
We all want a safe and intellectually rich environment in which to work, study, and learn.
Your familiarity with available resources and your willingness to help students and
colleagues connect with professional help can make an important contribution to the
health and safety of our campus community.
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