I Want To Help A Friend, Student or Co-worker

If you think your friend or others might be in immediate danger, call 911 or UIPD at 217-333-1216. They have officers specifically trained to work with students in crisis. If your concern is not immediate/urgent, please make a referral to the Student Assistance Center.

Students, faculty, staff, parents, and others are strongly encouraged to report behaviors they feel are concerning or worrisome. You can report with this form.

In addition to making a referral, you can also walk with your friend to any of the various campus resources whose mission is to support students in need. These include: the Counseling Center, McKinley Health Center, Women’s Resources Center, International Student and Scholar Services, Disability Resources and Educational Services, and more. If you aren’t exactly sure which resource would be most appropriate, know that the Student Assistance Center is a good place to start. They can assist you and/or your friend in getting connected to the right resource.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255
  • 24-hour Community Mental Health Crisis Line: 217-359-4141
  • 24-hour Crisis Line for University Employees: 217-244-7739

Suicide 911 (Emergency)

If suicide is imminent, contact the Police Department immediately at 217-333-1216 or Suicide Prevention Team at the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 (TTY: 217-244-9146) during the office hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Any individual (friend, relative, faculty, residence hall staff) can notify the Suicide Prevention Team at the Counseling Center at 217-333-3704 if a student they know makes a suicidal threat or attempt and is no longer in imminent danger.

Counseling Center: Consult About a Student in Distress

Students in distress are among those in our community who need and can greatly benefit from various forms of personal help. These students’ distress can also pose a challenge for those who wish to help the student. Mental health professionals, school administrators, and security personnel are here to help, but these specifically trained individuals are not always present when a distressing situation occurs, for example in a dining hall, classroom, residence hall, or other campus location. When this happens, you can learn more about the Counseling Center: Consult About a Student in Distress.

Refer a Student to the Office of the Dean of Students

Refer a student to the Office of the Dean of Students
300 Turner Student Services Building, 610 E. John Street, Champaign, IL 61820
217-333-0050

Students, faculty, staff, parents, and others are strongly encouraged to report behaviors they feel are concerning or worrisome.

Why make a referral?

Centralized reporting

Our office receives reports from all over campus. What may seem like an insignificant concern to you lets us see a much richer picture of what may be happening for a student. Every piece of information matters and is helpful in providing a greater level of support for the students involved.

Early intervention

We believe in the principles of early intervention and proactive engagement, and we prefer to intervene at the earliest and lowest level possible. Earlier interventions preserve a wider range of options for students. Late interventions may result in a more significant impact on a student’s experience and progress toward their degree.

Assistance for you

It is helpful to know you aren’t alone in managing a difficult situation. When you make a referral, we are always available to talk through the situation with you and help you determine the best way to proceed. You do not have to manage these situations by yourself.

It is your responsibility

Illinois is a community and we all have a responsibility to care for each other. We all want our students to be healthy and successful. Referring students is one way you can help support the health and success of all Illinois students and make sure nobody slips through the cracks.

Kognito At-Risk Suicide Prevention Training

Counseling Center – Kognito At-Risk Suicide Prevention Training
300 Turner Student Services Building, 610 E. John Street, Champaign, IL 61820
217-333-0050

The University of Illinois expects and encourages students to maintain a reasonable concern for their own self-welfare and that of the overall campus community.

To enhance the student experience and promote health and wellness on campus, this suite of six online, interactive, and research-proven training simulations are designed to educate our faculty, staff, and students about best practices in supporting:

  • Students who struggle with psychological distress, including depression and suicidal ideation
  • LGBTQ+ students who are struggling due to harassment or exclusion
  • Student veterans who are facing challenges in adjusting to college life

Each training takes 30-60 minutes to complete and is structured as a virtual practice environment where users learn by engaging in interactive role-play conversations with emotionally responsive virtual students.

Medical Amnesty Policy & Good Samaritan Procedures

Medical Amnesty Policy & Good Samaritan Procedures
Office of Student Conflict Resolution
300 Turner Student Services Building, 610 East John Street, Champaign, IL
217-333-3680

When someone is in danger, students are expected to take immediate action (by calling 9-1-1, for example) to provide or secure assistance. The university and surrounding community public safety officials support students who take steps to ensure others’ safety by reducing the fear of legal or disciplinary consequences for those in need of assistance and for themselves.