Information For Students, Faculty & Staff 

Students of Concern

What to Do

At MSU we strive to create a culture of support for students who might be struggling. This includes reaching out if we see a student having difficulty, and referring a student for support if they come to us for help. Things to do include:

• Respond with care, concern and empathy.
• Be direct. Ask how they’re doing and share specific concerns and observations.
• Tell them you are here to support them and offer referrals and reasonable support within your role.
• Ask directly if they have had recent thoughts of suicide. Asking someone about suicide doesn’t put the idea into their head, and will let you know the nature of the crisis and level of intervention needed.
• Listen non-judgmentally. Allow them to express how they feel. Don’t discuss whether suicide is right or wrong or whether their feelings are good or bad.
• Get help. Call CAPS, a crisis line, or the police, especially if the student is in imminent risk.
• Offer hope that support and treatment can be helpful, and aid in getting them to CAPS or other resources.
• Don’t act shocked, uncomfortable, or irritated.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. You and the student will need additional support. You cannot manage someone’s suicidal thoughts or mental health issues on your own.

Who to Call:

CAPS staff is available to answer questions about how to assist a student of concern, including how to intervene and refer them to counseling or additional support resources. Access a staff member by calling 406-994-4531.

The Dean of Students Office is also a resource. If you remain concerned about a student and feel they need outreach, you can call Dean of Students staff at 406-994-2826, or use their online referral form.

If you are helping a student who is in imminent risk (threatening immediate suicide, self-harm, or harm to others), or are unsure if they are safe, call UPD at 911.

More information can be found on the MSU ASSIST page, and employees can also utilize the Faculty Guide for Navigating Student Mental Health. 

Emergency Response

CAPS is available for crisis intervention and risk assessment in emergency situations by calling us during business hours and UPD after hours. In the event of a student death or campus crisis, CAPS provides on-site grief intervention, crisis intervention, and walk-in services, as well as consultation regarding student notification, grief/loss, education, and available campus resources. The Mental Health Resources and Crisis Protocol also provides general information and how MSU responds to crises and student deaths. 

Training and Education

CAPS is available to speak to classes regarding mental health and developmental issues, as well as to provide training to faculty/staff departments regarding mental health, suicide prevention, and helping students of concern. To schedule training for a class or academic/campus department, call or email us at CAPSoutreach@montana.edu.

Additional guidance can be found on the MSU Assist page. 

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Resources