Welcome back to the final block of the spring semester. We hope that you return from break feeling rested and energized for the remaining weeks of the academic year.
You may have heard about the recent student deaths at Cornell University, and our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by such terrible losses.
College life can be a time of growth and of great challenges, and for some, the challenges are overwhelming. Asking for help is the right thing to do when you’re feeling stressed. Your roommates, friends, RAs, family, professors, and staff members can be great sources of support in difficult times. Likewise, if you know someone who may be in distress, please don’t be afraid to reach out even if it is just to lend a friendly ear and let them know they are not alone.
Ithaca College provides resources for students who are experiencing difficulty in either their academic or personal lives.
When additional sources of support are needed or wanted, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides free and confidential counseling services, including a grief and loss support group, to all students.
For non-urgent concerns, appointments can be made with a mental health professional. For students who cannot wait for a scheduled appointment, Same Day Crisis Services are available. During business hours, call CAPS at 607-274-3136 to see which services are most appropriate for your circumstances. After business hours and on weekends until 10:30 p.m., students may access help for psychological emergencies by contacting the Health Center at 607-274-3177.
Always, if you believe your safety or that of someone you know may be at immediate risk, contact the Office of Public Safety at 607-274-3333.
Faculty, staff and students can learn more about how to recognize and respond to signs of distress in students through the Assisting Students at Risk Initiative offered by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life. If you would like to consult about your concerns, call CAPS and ask to speak to the Counselor on Call.
Finally, we would like to remind faculty and staff that CAPS is offering another Pathways training session on March 31. Pathways is a mental health crisis prevention and intervention program designed to reduce the incidence of crises by building confidence and skills in reaching out to those in distress. Contact CAPS to reserve a place in the session.
For more information on CAPS services, visit https://www.ithaca.edu/sacl/counseling/services/.
We wish you a successful and safe conclusion to the spring semester.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20100322084914755