CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

From time to time, members of the Cornell community are called upon to deal with personal crises involving threats to the health or well-being of students. The university has a crisis-management system to help all those affected by such situations: the students directly involved, friends and roommates, family members, and staff and faculty members.

The university's crisis-management system is coordinated through the Office of the Vice President for Student and Academic Services and the Office of the Dean of Students, and is affiliated with other units whose responsibilities focus on helping students. The Crisis Management team consists of staff from the Office of the Dean of Students, Cornell United Religious Work, International Students and Scholars Office, and Campus Life. Crisis managers work closely with the colleges, Cornell Police, News Bureau, Cornell United Religious Work, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and other key university offices and officials to facilitate information flow, coordinate and ensure the provision of services to the student and/or others affected by the crisis, and serve as a support, resource and guide to other individuals and offices involved in managing the crisis.

When personal crises threaten the health and well-being of students, the university crisis management system provides immmediate, sustained assistance to those affected. Call Cornell Police, 255-1111, at any time of the day to initiate this process. The duties of the crisis manager include:

• coordinates the flow of information while protecting confidentiality and privacy in sensitive personal matters
• arranges for support services provided to the student and others affected by the crises
• consults with, advises, and facilitates communication among individuals and units providing direct supports
• provides direct service to those affected by the crises, such as personal support, information, and referrals (the crisis manager is often the primary contact for parents)
• monitors the entire process and provides the follow-up services, as needed

In addition, the university's crisis-management system is designed to provide assistance after a crisis has occurred. Cornell also offers a variety of counseling, prevention, and wellness programs and services for students. These include:

• Empathy, Assistance, and Referral Service - EARS (255-EARS, 255-3277), which provides peer counseling
• Gannett's Counseling and Psychological Services - CAPS (255-5208, 255-5155)
• Cornell United Religious Work - CURW (255-4214).

For a complete list, see The Help Sheet, available at the Information and Referral Center, Day Hall lobby (254-INFO, 254-4636).

For general information about personal-crisis prevention and intervention, or to obtain a copy of a brochure that tells how to recognize and assist students in distress, contact Tanni Hall, associate dean of students, 528 Willard Straight Hall (255-3608), or Gregory Eells, director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Gannett Health Center (255-5208).