Randolph-Macon College aims to maintain the safety of individual students, as well as the community, in the event of a psychological emergency. Psychological emergencies include but are not limited to situations where a student commits or attempts suicide, makes a threat or gesture of suicide, harms or attempts to harm themselves, or undergoes severe psychological distress as assessed by the RMC Professional Staff.
Psychological Emergency Policy
Impact on Affected Student(s)
A student’s emergency contact will be contacted in the event of a psychological emergency. This policy is implemented with sensitivity to students’ privacy and academic success.
If a student is deemed to be a threat to self or others, they may not attend classes, college activities, or return to college housing until they have been given clearance to return by the Vice President for Student Affairs (or the Vice President’s designee). Clearance will require:
A. Completion of the designated Psychiatric/Psychological Evaluation Form with signed authorization from a psychiatric/psychological professional.
B. The psychiatric/psychological professional’s agreement that returning to school is in the student’s best interest;
C. Demonstration from the student that they are no longer in crisis, have taken sufficient steps to address the underlying psychological concern(s) which triggered the crisis, and have a plan to maintain health; and
D. A meeting with a member of the Dean of Students Office Staff
Students are responsible for costs associated with the psychiatric/psychological evaluation and any subsequent care that falls outside the scope of College services as outlined in the informed consent form.
Obligations of Faculty, Staff and Students
Faculty, staff, and students are expected to follow established procedures when there is a psychological emergency. Training resources are available for faculty, staff, and students. Counseling Services shall maintain procedures for the provision of postvention services including psychological support, crisis intervention, and other forms of assistance to the campus community. Such procedures shall be designed to facilitate the grieving or adjustment process, stabilize the environment, reduce the risk of negative behaviors, and prevent suicide contagion.
PROCEDURES:
- 1. When there is a situation involving an immediate threat to self or others, Ashland Police and/or the Office of Campus Safety should be contacted immediately at 911 or 804-752-4710. The police will involve the appropriate on-call administrator(s) and professional staff.
- 2. When there is general concern for a student, the Office of the Dean of Students should be contacted at 804-752-7266, Monday through Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM. A designated staff member will involve other administrators as appropriate. If the concern arises after business hours, the office of Campus Safety should be contacted for consultation.
- 3. All RMC Staff will follow their department’s established procedures, as trained.
Information will be shared with the Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Team (BAIT). Members of BAIT will follow up as appropriate to support the student.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a psychological emergency?
Randolph-Macon College aims to maintain the safety of individual students, as well as the campus community. Psychological emergencies include but are not limited to situations where a student attempts suicide, makes a threat or gesture of suicide, harms or attempts to harm themselves, or undergoes severe psychological distress.
What is Randolph-Macon’s policy regarding working with students who are experiencing a psychological emergency?
Consistent with the Disruptive Behavior Policy and the Psychological Emergency Policy, a student’s emergency contact will be contacted if the student is deemed to be an immediate threat to self or others, and they may not attend classes, university events or activities, or return to university assigned living spaces until they are given clearance to return by the Dean of Students or a designee.
Clearance will require (a) the completion of the designated Psychiatric/Psychological Evaluation Form with a signed authorization from a psychiatric/licensed mental health provider; (b) the psychiatric/licensed mental health provider agreement that returning to Randolph-Macon College is in the student’s best interest; (c) demonstration from the student that they are no longer undergoing a psychological emergency, have taken sufficient steps to address the underlying psychological concern(s) which triggered the crisis, and have a sufficient plan to maintain health; and (d) participated in a meeting with the Dean of Students.
What does it mean to be referred for a psychiatric/psychological evaluation?
The psychiatric/psychological evaluation process is put in place when one or more of our professional staff members believes that the emotional state of the student could potentially present an immediate threat to themselves or other members of the community.
Why is it necessary for a student to see a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other licensed mental health provider?
Randolph-Macon College does not staff a full-time psychiatric provider and resources within the Ashland community are limited. Most students who reach a level of care or concern beyond the scope of our RMC licensed mental health counselors (who are generalist practitioners) will be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Specialists can provide more intensive care, medication management, and counseling resources specific to the unique needs of the student.
How can I find a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner or licensed mental health provider if I do not already have one?
1. Please see attached list of potential providers in the Richmond area.
2. Contact your local community service board: https://vacsb.org/csb-bha-directory/
3. Utilize the internet to find a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner in your area. You may want to try: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us.
Can the student come back to campus without the completion of the form?
No. The student is not authorized to return to campus, nor can they attend Randolph-Macon sponsored events or activities until they have been evaluated by a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner or other licensed mental health professional, been cleared to return, and has met with the Dean of Students or designee. If the student needs to come back to campus to retrieve items or see faculty, they need to first contact the Dean of Students at 804-752-7266 or deanofstudents@rmc.edu to make appropriate arrangements in advance.
How long can the student be away from campus?
This is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the student’s academic standing, class schedule, and other factors. However, we have found that it is very difficult for any student to recover academically after being away for two weeks or more of class, and in these cases, it is usually best to consider a Temporary Medical Leave, Medical Withdrawal, or College Withdrawal. Please note that these options do not absolve the student of financial responsibilities they may have to the College.
Will the student’s faculty be told about the student’s absence?
: The Dean of Students arranges for notification of the student’s faculty. Students can trust that the faculty will be notified via email that they will be away from campus for medical reasons until further notice. This is the same note that is sent when a student is away from campus due to surgeries, broken limbs, etc.
It is also appropriate for the student to contact their faculty as soon as they can do so. It is the student’s responsibility to contact faculty to remain on top of their academic work while away from campus.
If the student has a job on campus, will the employer be told?
If the student holds an on-campus position, the student may request that the Dean of Students Office contact the supervisor to let them know that the student will be away from campus for medical reasons. The student should contact their supervisor to check in as soon as they are able to do so.
What will the student’s roommate/friends be told?
Typically, these individuals will not be told anything. However, in the event that a roommate or close friends are worried about a student who has suddenly left campus, we will let them know that the student is safe. Depending on the situation, we will encourage the student to tell their roommates and close friends what they feel comfortable sharing.
Who else on campus will know about the student’s situation?
The student of concern will be discussed during the Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Team meetings and the members of that team will follow-up as appropriate.
What will go on the student’s transcript?
The referral for psychiatric/psychological evaluation will not be recorded on the official transcript. Only professional staff members who have a professional need-to-know will be told the reason for their absence.
What does the student do once they are ready to return to campus?
To return to campus, two things must occur:
1. The student must have a psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner or other licensed mental health professional complete the Psychiatric/Psychological Evaluation Form. (As noted in #7 of the form, the form is incomplete and will not be accepted unless recommendations from the psychiatric, psychiatric nurse practitioner or other licensed mental health professional are attached.)
AND
2. The student must meet with the Dean of Students or a designee. The student may schedule this appointment by contacting the Dean of Students, at 804-752-7266 or deanofstudents@rmc.edu. Please note that these meetings take place during normal business hours (Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm).
What if the student needs to return to campus temporarily to pick up books or personal belongings?
In the event the student needs to return to campus before they are authorized by the Dean of Students or designee, they may contact the Dean of Students during normal business hours at 804-752-7266 or deanofstudents@rmc.edu to discuss the situation and make arrangements. If a student is unable to make the trip to campus but there is a need to pick up personal belongings, a parent or guardian may make similar arrangements through the Dean of Students.
What will the student’s meeting with the Dean of Students look like?
During this meeting, the student will meet with the Dean of Students or designee. The discussion will focus on what will happen after the student returns to campus, not what happened that caused the student to leave. The student will be provided with information regarding campus resources.
How long will the student need to see a mental health provider?
The Behavioral Agreement typically states that the student will participate in therapy with the psychologist/counselor at a schedule suggested by that mental health provider. The mental health provider and the student will work together to determine when therapy is no longer necessary.
Does the student have to use Randolph-Macon’s Counseling Services?
No. The student may use their own mental health provider, or local resources including Uwill or other mental health provider in the community.
Can the student’s parent(s), guardian(s), family member(s) attend the student’s meeting with the Dean of Students Staff?
This is at the discretion of the student. The Dean of Students or designee will ask the student if it is okay to talk freely about everything involved in the situation. All conversation will be directed to the student, and the parent/guardian may be asked to step out briefly to allow for follow-up questions. The student must be the primary participant in the meeting. Participants may not speak for the student, and the Dean of Students Staff member may ask participants to leave the meeting at any time at their discretion.
Can the Dean of Students Staff work directly with the student’s parents?
The Dean of Students Staff will answer the family member’(s) questions only when the student has given express written permission to do so or when the student is hospitalized and is incapacitated.
Will the student have on-going meetings with the Dean of Students Staff?
In most cases, on-going meetings with the Dean of Students or designee are not required. Students may request periodic meetings; however, the Office will typically refer the student to talk to their designated mental health provider.
What will the Counseling Services share with the Dean of Students Office?
Randolph-Macon’s Counseling Services is a confidential resource. Therefore, the psychologist/counselor will not share any information regarding a student’s therapy unless authorized by the student.
What will an outside mental health provider share with the Dean of Students Office?
Mental health providers are a confidential resource. Therefore, the provider will not share any information regarding a student’s therapy unles authorized to do so by the student.