Psychological Emergency (RESIDENTIAL)

PSYCHOLOGICAL EMERGENCY

RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES

POLICY

The policy and procedures set forth on the subject of the protocol.How to Handle Emotional Distress are also relevant here. In addition, as it specifically pertains to residential students, it is important to point out the following: A student is considered to be responsible for his/her behavior at all times and is subject to University judicial, administrative or legal action. If there is significant doubt as to whether a student is capable of assuming responsibility for his/her behavior, an emergency situation exists. Staff should take immediate action to insure the safety of both the individual student and the campus community (i.e., if warranted notify Security, the Counseling Center and/or request Security to contact the police).

PROCEDURE

1. During office operational hours- initiate the procedures under the protocol,
   • How to Handle Emotional Distress”.
2. Recommendations may include:
   • A Staff Psychologist may consult with the caller to determine appropriate recommendations.
   • Security may be contacted to arrange appropriate emergency transportation
3. After Hours & On Weekends- Contact Security and the Resident Life Staff member on duty.They will contact the staff psychologist on call and the Dean for Students (who will contact any other necessary office or staff). 
   • The emergency contact person may make one of the recommendations outlined above.

PLEASE NOTE:      

At no time during an emergency situation should a staff member transport a student in a personal vehicle, nor accompany the student in a cab.  If the student must be removed  from the campus, the student should be transported either by Security, ambulance, a family member, or police.  

A staff member will accompany the student to the hospital for evaluation.   The staff member could be, but is not limited to, a member from Residential Life and/or the Counseling Center.  Based on student need, the staff person may remain with the student until a decision is made regarding whether the student will be admitted to the hospital.   The staff member will keep the Dean for Students updated on the status of the emergency.  The Dean will make the decision regarding contacting the individual named on the person’s records to be notified in case of emergency.   

PLEASE NOTE:  

The student is responsible for any costs incurred for medical consulting, treatment or transportation.The University representative must not sign the student into the hospital.
 

If the resident student is not admitted into the hospital, he/she will not be permitted to return to the University residence halls until an valuation is conducted.  A professional who is unaffiliated with the University will make this evaluation.  The evaluation will be assessed by a psychologist from the Counseling Center, who will consult with and/or provide recommendations to Residential Life and the Dean for Students regarding whether the student will be permitted to return to the University residence.  The University reserves the right to require the student to undergo a second evaluation by a licensed mental health professional affiliated with the University (at University expense) prior to a decision being made as to whether the student may return to residence or the University.