Supporting students

Binghamton University is committed to maintaining an environment that supports all students in distress. Protocols are in place ensure consistent education, communication, collaboration, coordination of resources and early intervention accross campus.

The following reporting avenues are for non-emergency incidents or concerns only. For emergencies, call University Police by dialing 911 from a campus phone or 607-777-2222 from a cell phone. 

If you are concerned for a student, submit a CARE Team referral. Find more information on how to recognize students in distress, how to respond appropriately and how to refer them to appropriate resources in the Binghamton University Red Folder. 

Need help finding the right office or person?

Many students can manage their own concerns and find support, working with staff in student-facing offices across campus. The Binghamton Support Network is the best place for students to find the resources they need autonomously.

Not sure who you can talk to about your concerns?

These are great places to start with non-emergency concerns, and they can refer students to other resources as appropriate.

  • CARE Team
    • Support services (not a disciplinary body)
    • Provides individualized interventions for students
    • Mitigates risk for well-being of student and community
    • May reach out to faculty/staff to gather information
  • University Counseling Center (UCC)
  • Decker Student Health Services Center
  • Residential Life
  • Title IX Office

    • The State University of New York and Binghamton University are committed to providing options, support and assistance to students who have experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and/or stalking to ensure that they can continue to participate in college/University-wide and campus programs, activities and employment.

  • VARCC 
    • The VARCC a single place for students — or anyone — to report an incident of sexual violence. Private and confidential service providers are available get you needed services, plan your next steps and more.
  • Campus Recovery Support Group
    • A community of people who offer encouragement, understanding, and accessible tools to help students navigate getting or staying sober.

Need immediate emergency help?

When a student poses an immediate risk to themself or others, one or more of the following support services and processes should be initiated:

  • Contact Harpur’s Ferry for medical help — dial 911 and request Harpur’s Ferry, or dial 607-777-3333
  • Call University Police by dialing 911 from a campus phone or 607-777-2222 from a cell phone.
  • Off-campus students should dial 911 to reach local emergency services.
  • UCC emergency assessment (counselor on call or ProtoCall) — call 607-777-2772, press 2 for after-hours support.
  • Dial or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to be connected to a trained mental health professional

Worried about a student and want to get them help?

In a non-emergency situation, the best way to help a student you are worried about is by submitting a CARE Team referal. A member of the CARE Team will follow up as appropriate. This follow-up process may include the student, referring party and/or any other identified persons. 

When a student’s level of distress has reached a point that may put them at high risk — defined as exhibiting behaviors that may result in psychological or physical harm to themselves or others, including the inability to meet essential needs following medical advice — the University has processes in place to refer student cases to one or more high-level committees who can evaluate the situation, mitigate risk, offer services and work to support student success and safety.

Students of Concern (SOC) committee

The SOC Committee's goal is to foster early identification of concerns about students. Early review of problematic situations can reduce the impact to students and/or their classroom, social or living environment. The SOC Committee:

  • is facilitated by the assistant dean of students and director of case management services and is composed of a team of multidisciplinary University administrators and staff 
  • meets on a weekly basis to review each case until the concern is managed to the degree that the team agrees to move the case to dormant status
  • classifies cases as high, medium or low risk
  • evaluates if any additional sources of support should be included (family, support programs, etc.)
  • develops action plans intended to support student and community safety, prevent violence, support student development and maintain a campus environment conducive to learning
  • consults with faculty, staff and students involved in or affected by a student's behavior, and other individuals as appropriate
  • respects student privacy

Composition of committee

  • Dean of Students/CARE Team
  • Dean of Students Case Management Services (CARE Team)
  • University Police Department — contact with external agencies; coordinate emergency services.
  • Residential Life — detection of new cases; management of cases on campus
  • Decker Student Health Services Center (DSHSC)
  • University Counseling Center (UCC)
  • Office of Student Conduct — interpreting student conduct and other policies
  • Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
  • Human Resources
  • International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)
  • Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
  • TRIO
  • Academic Affairs — liaison to University academic units/centers; interpreting policies
  • Division of Communications and Marketing
  • Campus professionals ad hoc on case-by-case basis

Threat Assessment Team (TAT)

In elevated instances, cases may be referred to the Threat Assessment Team for review, based on the level of risk or disruption. The TAT provides rapid assessment of behaviors of concern that indicate a member of the Binghamton University community (student, staff, faculty, or other affiliated or unaffiliated member of the Binghamton community) may be on a pathway to violence directed at self or others. The cornerstones of the multidisciplinary team’s violence prevention and mitigation efforts are education, communication, collaboration, coordination of resources and early intervention.

The TAT meets as needed when a case is brought to their attention, and also meets regularly to review follow-up cases. Team members come together to view the situation through a variety of lenses, contributing unique institutional and case-based knowledge that may factor into a given situation. They provide a holistic continuity of University representatives reviewing cases, leading to quicker evaluation of potential threats to the University community. The TAT develops action plans intended to support student and community safety, prevent violence, support student development and maintain a campus environment conducive to learning. The group will also consult with faculty, staff and/or students involved in or affected by a student’s behavior and other individuals as appropriate, but also prioritizes confidentiality in all cases.

Composition of Threat Assessment Team: 

  • Academic Affairs — liaison to University academic units/centers, Interpreting policies
  • University Police Department — contact with external agencies, coordinate emergency services
  • Residential Life — detection of new cases, management of cases on campus
  • Dean of Students
  • Case management services — CARE Team
  • Decker Student Health Services Center
  • University Counseling Center
  • Office of Student Conduct — interpreting student conduct and other policies
  • Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
  • Specialty member (on case-by-case basis, by invite only)