For Faculty + Staff

If you have emergent concerns about a Gonzaga student:

For medical emergencies, please call 911 or refer the student to a local Emergency Department. 

For mental health emergencies, call 911, refer the student to a local Emergency Department, or have the student call the 24/7 Regional Behavioral Health Crisis Line 1-877-266-1818 (toll free number).

If you have an immediate concern for the student's safety or the safety of the Gonzaga community because of a student, you can call Campus Security at 509-313-2222 and they will assist you in addressing the situation.

If you have concerns about a Gonzaga student, but this is not an emergency:

Sometimes small changes in behaviors or attitude are the first indicator that a student may need more assistance.  Other times, behaviors are being noticed by many members of our community and creating a significant amount of concern.  A student of concern is any student who is displaying behaviors that may get in the way of a student's ability to be successful in the University environment.

The Refer form is one way you can share that you are concerned about a student. Someone from the Center for Cura Personalis, or their designee, will reach out to provide the student with support and resources.  If you would prefer to discuss your concern with someone directly, you can call the Center for Cura Personalis at 509-313-2227.

You can also report Sexual Misconduct and Sexual Assault here, if that is more consistent with your concern.

Below are a few things to keep in mind when a student comes to you with a concern:

Listen

• Take a break from what you are doing to focus solely on the student and simply listen to what is being shared.
• Find a place to talk in private so that the student is able to feel more open to talking

Acknowledge

• Express interest, care, and concern. Make sure the student knows you are interested in what (s)he is sharing.
• Make sure that students know you cannot keep information confidential. If students share that they are thinking about harming themselves or others, you need to get others involved. Reports of sexual assault, harassment or discrimination must be reported. Talk with your students about your limitations, and be open to helping them get connected to others who are specially trained.
• Set and maintain healthy boundaries.  We don't expect staff or faculty to assume the role of a counselor and you aren't expected to be available 24/7.  Establishing boundaries is a healthy way to help students know when and how you are available to help them.
• Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.

Assess

• Ask open ended questions to help clarify.
• Help explore what options the student may be open to for getting assistance (e.g. meeting with a case manager in the Center for Cura Personalis, scheduling an appointment with a counselor).

Refer

• Make sure students are aware of your limits to help. Know the limits of your own skills and training. There are others who are trained to deal with what the student is sharing. Communicate your limits and offer to help students get connected to those who can help.
• Don't ignore comments about suicide, violence, or harm to self or others. Call Campus Security and Public Safety immediately (509-313-2222), or ask someone around you to call while you stay with the student.
• Help students get connected to the appropriate resources. Consider walking the student to the Center for Cura Personalis (Crosby 216) during business hours where one of the professional staff can quickly assist.

Document

• Take the time to write down your notes from the conversation.
• If appropriate, pass those notes on using the Refer form or by calling the Center for Cura Personalis at 509-313-2227.

Practice Self-Care

• Supporting students can have a big impact.  These conversations can be very difficult or emotionally challenging.  You may need to take time for yourself.  Whether it's quiet time to reflect, going to the gym, or spending time with family, be sure to take care of yourself.
• If appropriate, it may be helpful to discuss these concerns with a colleague or supervisor for additional assistance or to support you.
• You may also find it helpful to use the SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program if you need a confidential place to process your experiences. 

Two of the primary resources on campus that support the health and well-being of Gonzaga University students are the Center for Cura Personalis and Health & Counseling Services. 

The Center for Cura Personalis (CCP)

The primary focus of the staff in the Center for Cura Personalis (CCP) is to support students through challenges, connect them to appropriate campus and community resources, promote growth in self-advocacy, and empower students to navigate toward their own solutions and shape their own lives. Case Managers work collaboratively across the institution to develop support plans that provide a caring and seamless student learning experience. Case Managers at Gonzaga operate in a non-clinical capacity and are not able to provide counseling or therapy to students, though will quickly connect students to the resources which will help.

Health & Counseling Services

Health & Counseling Services functions as your healthcare provider’s office and counseling center. The Health & Counseling Services staff have a strong focus on wellness and want you to fully benefit from Gonzaga’s Jesuit education.

Our Board Certified Family Physicians, Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses and Counselors are here to give you our expertise and care in a confidential setting. Our clinicians are able to diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, provide psychological counseling, and support students with long-term health concerns.

Please also know that the most important part of connecting a student with either of these offices is making that connection!  If you or a student reaches out to either office, our teams will help you navigate to the right place.