This policy is designed to assist those concerned about a student who appears to exhibit life-threatening behavior. Students often feel comfortable enough to discuss personal issues with a Bay Path University student, faculty, or staff member, including concerns for another student. If you have concerns about the well-being of a student, or become aware of any student attempting or contemplating suicide or are fearful of them harming themselves or others, please contact an appropriate University official immediately (Campus Public Safety, Counseling Services, Health Services, Residence Life professional staff member, etc.).

Certain life-threatening behaviors (i.e. suicidal threats, attempts, gestures; eating disorders; substance abuse; threats, gestures, or attempts to harm others; actively delusional, odd behavior) are signs of personal distress. At Bay Path University, we strive to support students with emphasis on caring for the personal, intellectual and ethical growth of students and intervening appropriately should a student show signs of distress.

There can be signs that a student may be struggling and need assistance. These include:

• Increased risk-taking behavior
• Significant change in personality and/or appearance
• Preoccupation with death in conversation, writing, or drawing
• Giving away treasured belongings
• Withdrawing from friends and/or family
• Not attending classes or participating in favorite activities
• Aggressive or hostile behavior
• Making suicidal statements such as “wanting to die,” “everyone would be better off if I was dead,” or talking about wanting to “disappear” or “not be around.”

In the event that a Bay Path University employee or a student becomes aware that a campus student has harmed another person or has sustained a self-inflicted injury or has threatened to do harm to self or others on campus, Campus Public Safety must be contacted. In case of serious injury, students should call 911 and then notify Campus Public Safety. It is extremely important that you take comments – in person and online – about suicide (including jokes), any threats of suicide, or threats of harm to themselves or others seriously and seek immediate assistance.

What to Do When You Suspect a Serious Issue or Crisis:

• On Campus: Call Campus Public Safety (413) 565-1225.
• Off Campus: Call 911.

Unless your own safety is at risk, stay with the student in crisis until assistance arrives. Emergency medical personnel may transport a student in acute emotional distress to a local emergency room for evaluation. If you need help in assessing the situation during business hours, Monday-Friday, contact the Health Services at (413) 565-1544.

Any student who the University believes presents a threat to the safety, health and well-being to themselves or others may be asked, among other things, to take a voluntary leave in order to ensure the safety of the campus community as a whole. The University may elect to place a student immediately on leave following an individualized assessment. Such involuntary measures are generally considered a last resort, unless there are emergency or direct threat circumstances. The conditions for a student’s return will also be developed on an individualized basis and will be discussed with the student in advance of the leave if circumstances permit. Conditions for return may include appropriate documentation from medical professionals, release of relevant medical records, establishing a continuing treatment plan and a demonstrated ability to meet the University’s academic and conduct standards on such, or such other conditions as the University deems appropriate. Decisions regarding a student’s return will be made by the Dean of Students.

The Bay Path University campus community is committed to helping students grow both intellectually and personally so that they develop emotional resilience that enables them to respond to life events in ways that support their well-being and integrity. If a student’s mental well-being is of general concern, but is not a perceived danger, please contact the Counseling Center weekdays via email at counseling@baypath.edu or by phone at (413) 565-1354.