Student Crisis Information | Bridgewater State University
Source: https://bridgew.edu/student-crisis-information
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:12
Student Crisis Information | Bridgewater State University
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Free tuition and mandatory fees
for families earning $125,000 or less.
Learn about the Bridgewater Commitment »
Student Crisis Information
CALL
911
to report an emergency or life-threatening situation.
For non-emergencies, call Bridgewater State University Police at
508.531.1212
.
View BSU Police Emergency Procedures
When a student is in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, Bridgewater offers resources and supports to help manage through difficult situations. Whether the issue is related to a student’s health, welfare, mental health, physical safety, financial insecurity or another concern, our Care Team and other BSU professionals are here to help.
Students, their families, faculty, librarians and staff are encouraged to review the resources below for assisting a student in a crisis situation.
Student Crisis Resources
Suicide Prevention
For threats of imminent harm, please call 911. For all other concerns please visit the Counseling Services page to access many mental health resources including our after hours clinical line.
Overdose Prevention
For immediate assistance with a life threatening overdose, please call 911. For all other resources to assist with overdose prevention and harm reduction, please visit the Overdose Prevention page.
Sexual Assault
To report an incident, please use the Title IX Reporting Form. For all other concerns, or to learn about reporting and support for sexual assault, please visit the EO/Title IX page.
Domestic Abuse
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 for assistance. For all other concerns, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity page to file a report or find resources and support.
Care Team
The Care Team accepts referrals and responds to students (and their families, faculty, and staff) when concerns for a student’s health, welfare, and safety are identified.
Emergency Housing
For emergency assistance with off campus housing, please call the Center for Student Support at 508-531-1503. Please visit the Emergency Housing Assistance page for additional resources for housing insecurity.
Additional Crisis Resources
Accordion Content
BSU Police Department:
508.531.1212
or
911
from a main campus phone
A New Day (Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Hotline):
888.293.7273
/
508.588.8255
Brockton Area Multi Service (Crisis Service):
508.580.0801
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800.799.7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
800.656.4673
MA Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence: SafeLink:
877.785.2020
MA Statewide Drug & Alcohol Information & Referral Helpline:
800.327.5050
National Suicide Prevention Life Line:
800.273.8255
For BSU employees only, Employee Assistance Program provided by Mass4You:
844.263.1982
Academic Achievement Center:
508.531.1214
BSU Food Pantry:
508.531.1276
Care Team:
508.531.1276
Center for Student Support:
508.531.1276
Community Standards:
508.531.6177
Counseling Services * 24/7 Support:
508.531.1331
Equal Opportunity/Title IX:
508.531.2744
Facilities Management:
508.531.1296
Financial Aid:
508.531.1341
GLBTA Pride Center:
508.531.1408
Health Services:
508.531.1252
Human Resources & Talent Management:
508.531.1324
Military & Veteran Student Services:
508.531.2181
Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion & Equity:
508.531.6166
Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center:
508.531.2048
Student Accessibility Services:
508.531.2194
Student Success and Equity Interventions:
508.531.1407
University Police:
508.531.1212
Frequently Asked Questions
Suicide Prevention
Accordion Content
If you can’t be sure that yourself, or the person in distress, can keep themselves safe from serious harm then calling 911 is the right move. It is better to call and seek guidance and assistance than to wonder about whether you did enough.
Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to talk, or is thinking about suicide can call or text the 988 lifeline to talk or text chat. The lifeline counselors are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.
Possibly, but only if it’s necessary. If you call the BSU after hours service, and the clinician on the phone determines that the person of concern is in imminent danger, then the police will be contacted to facilitate transport to the nearest hospital (Brockton Hospital if you’re on campus). The national suicide hotline has a similar protocol, designed to keep people safe when they’re feeling suicidal.
No. The police assist with every mental health emergency on campus and are highly trained to respond to mental health calls. They arrive on scene to assess the situation and to make sure that the person of concern is safely transported to a facility where care can be delivered. If the police assess a situation and find that transport is not necessary, they collaborate with the BSU Wellness Center to make sure that students are seen to follow up with their mental health crisis. In all of these cases the police are happy to assist as part of their commitment to community policing.
There are many ways to get involved. For example:
Join the student group Active Minds, who focus on mental health advocacy.
Join the Wellness Center in our various programs, including National Suicide Awareness Month (Fall) and our annual Out of the Darkness walk to support suicide prevention (Spring).
Overdose Prevention
Accordion Content
In areas other than approved or licensed locations, all persons are prohibited from being present where there are alcoholic beverage containers, whether those containers are full, partially full or empty. Except for employment or other permissive purposes, students under the age of 21 may not be in the presence of alcohol or alcohol containers. Please see the full
Alcohol Policy
.
When a student aids an intoxicated or impaired individual by contacting the Bridgewater State University Police or Residence Life and Housing staff, it is up to the discretion of the Director of Community Standards, or designee, to determine if any involved parties, student organizations the Community Standards process. This does not preclude action regarding other violations of University standards such as causing or threatening physical harm, damage to property, harassment, hazing, or violations of the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy.
No, the campus does not currently host an AA meeting. For a listing of AA meetings close to campus please visit the
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Finder
.
The BSU Police offer a training on the use of the opioid antagonist Naloxone (Narcan). For more information please contact Detective Sargent McAvoy of the BSUPD.
Narcan can be found in a “Naloxbox” can be found near the info desk of the RSU and inside most residence hall AED unit boxes.
Sexual Assault
Accordion Content
Please review the “
confidentiality and reporting
” section of the EO/Title IX website. If you want to speak to someone on campus about a sexual assault before you know whether you’ll report, please make sure to reach out to one of our campus ‘confidential’ supports (Wellness/SVAS).
Confidential support can be found with the clinical staff at the Wellness Center and the staff of the Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support (SVAS) Center.
Please review the “
preserving evidence
” page at the EO/Title IX website to learn how best to proceed immediately after an assault. Please remember that you are not alone and BSU has many
resources
to assist you through this difficult time.
Domestic Abuse
Accordion Content
There are many resources available to help you. We recommend that you first address your safety and the safety of any vulnerable populations involved (minors, elderly). Please contact your local police department or the BSU Police department to learn more about legal interventions. For shelters and other resources please check out this list of
resources by county
.
Yes, there are several ways to get assistance. You can seek a consultation at the SVAS center, the BSU Wellness Center or with our BSU Police. Relationship violence can occur even when you don’t live together and we’re here to support you in finding safety.
Emergency Housing
Accordion Content
Yes. There are several options that may be available to you depending on your situation. The first move would be to contact Eileen Estudante, our single point of contact on Housing Insecurity, and set up a time to discuss your concern. Email
lestudante@bridgew.edu
or call 508.531.1819.
BSU can sometimes assist students with our Student Emergency Fund when there are no other viable options. We also encourage students to visit the
Student Resource Page
available on the Center for Student Support site for state-supported programs including
MA Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)
.
The
Center for Student Support
and the Office for Residence Life and Housing would be happy to work with you to see whether this is an option that would make sense for you. The Center for Student Support can also connect you to additional resources on and off campus that may be helpful in your specific situation. The Center for Student Support can also be reached by phone at 508-531-1503.
Care Team
Accordion Content
If you have concerns about a student's behavior or life experiences that
do not necessitate and immediate response,
you may submit a referral to the
Care Team
. For immediate emergencies, contact University Police by call 911 from a campus phone or 508.531.1212.
Make a referral by:
Submitting an online
referral to the Care Team
The Care Team will evaluate the referral and determine the appropriate response. The Care Team will also notify other university officials as warranted.
BSU Student Resources
At BSU, we understand the impact that stressors outside of the classroom can have on your student success. We also understand the significant cost of higher education and the overall impact attending college can have on your availability to work and cover the basics. We have compiled the following resources that may help ease the struggle and set you up for success.
*BSU login required.
Family Resources*
Financial Resources*
Food Assistance
Non-Emergency Housing*
Health & Wellness
Heat & Utilities*
Equal Opportunity
Legal Resources*
Transportation*
Other Resources*
How to Talk to Students
HOW TO BRING IT UP
rgb(137,25,31)
It’s often a relief to students to know that people at the university notice and care.
Broach the subject in a caring, supportive way
Clearly express your concerns in non-disparaging non-confrontational terms.
Remind the student of their personal responsibility as a member of the community
Respect the student’s privacy but do not promise confidentiality
HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT
rgb(137,25,31)
Whether you or a student broaches the topic, it is important to have privacy and some time without interruption.
Don’t minimize the problem or solve too quickly with advice.
Let the student express emotion (often it has been building/bottled up)
Ask if the student has found anything to help with the problem.
Inquire about their support network
HOW TO REFER
rgb(137,25,31)
The student situation may be beyond what you can address, but your support is still critical
Reassure student the decisions to seek/accept help is a wise choice and they are not alone
Offer to meet to ensure follow through
Refer to the CARE Team
If an emergency — DO NOT WAIT — call BSU Police at
508.531.1212
or
911
Distress Signals
Being aware of
distress signals
, ways to intervene, and resources will help you respond effectively to an individual who needs help. Take the signs of distress seriously, particularly if it is not normally characteristic of the person. You might be the one saving a life by being available at the right place and right time with the right resources.
Accordion Content
Decline in grades
Repeated absences
Not doing homework
Multiple requests for extensions
Considering leaving school
Disruption to learning environment
Inappropriate or concerning content in assignments/presentations
Depression: crying spells, feeling sad more often than not
Anxiety: feeling tense, nervous, worried, panic attacks (could include PTSD)
Antagonistic to others, unprovoked anger
Impulsiveness, loss of self control
Confused speech or behavior
Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia
Overwhelming concern about finances, relationships, balancing multiple demands, etc.
Changes in physical appearance, poor hygiene
Excessive fatigue, low energy
Agitated expression or movements
Excessive weight loss/gain
Bruises, cuts or other injury
Physical or verbal outbursts
Withdrawing socially, avoiding eye contact
Statements about death, dying, suicide, homicide, etc.
Physical violence
Sexual assault
Stalking and harassment of any kind
Intoxicated or under the influence
Threatening communication
Contact Us
If none of the linked pages above contain the resource that you are looking for, or you need assistance navigating this page, please contact the Division for Student Life office during business hours and we will assist you.
Division for Student Life
Boyden Hall, Rm 106
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater
,
MA
02325
United States
508-531-1276
studentlife@bridgew.edu
This is a content holder for the one-button emergency notification system.
Quicklinks
My BSU
BridgeNet
Academic Calendar
Course Search
Register for Class
Pay Bill
Health Services Patient Portal
Student Health Plan Waiver
Info For
Families
Alumni & Friends
School Counselors
Give to BSU
Student Crisis Info
Menu Close
Free tuition and mandatory fees
for families earning $125,000 or less.
Learn about the Bridgewater Commitment »
Student Crisis Information
CALL
911
to report an emergency or life-threatening situation.
For non-emergencies, call Bridgewater State University Police at
508.531.1212
.
View BSU Police Emergency Procedures
When a student is in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, Bridgewater offers resources and supports to help manage through difficult situations. Whether the issue is related to a student’s health, welfare, mental health, physical safety, financial insecurity or another concern, our Care Team and other BSU professionals are here to help.
Students, their families, faculty, librarians and staff are encouraged to review the resources below for assisting a student in a crisis situation.
Student Crisis Resources
Suicide Prevention
For threats of imminent harm, please call 911. For all other concerns please visit the Counseling Services page to access many mental health resources including our after hours clinical line.
Overdose Prevention
For immediate assistance with a life threatening overdose, please call 911. For all other resources to assist with overdose prevention and harm reduction, please visit the Overdose Prevention page.
Sexual Assault
To report an incident, please use the Title IX Reporting Form. For all other concerns, or to learn about reporting and support for sexual assault, please visit the EO/Title IX page.
Domestic Abuse
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 for assistance. For all other concerns, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity page to file a report or find resources and support.
Care Team
The Care Team accepts referrals and responds to students (and their families, faculty, and staff) when concerns for a student’s health, welfare, and safety are identified.
Emergency Housing
For emergency assistance with off campus housing, please call the Center for Student Support at 508-531-1503. Please visit the Emergency Housing Assistance page for additional resources for housing insecurity.
Additional Crisis Resources
Accordion Content
BSU Police Department:
508.531.1212
or
911
from a main campus phone
A New Day (Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Hotline):
888.293.7273
/
508.588.8255
Brockton Area Multi Service (Crisis Service):
508.580.0801
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
800.799.7233
National Sexual Assault Hotline:
800.656.4673
MA Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence: SafeLink:
877.785.2020
MA Statewide Drug & Alcohol Information & Referral Helpline:
800.327.5050
National Suicide Prevention Life Line:
800.273.8255
For BSU employees only, Employee Assistance Program provided by Mass4You:
844.263.1982
Academic Achievement Center:
508.531.1214
BSU Food Pantry:
508.531.1276
Care Team:
508.531.1276
Center for Student Support:
508.531.1276
Community Standards:
508.531.6177
Counseling Services * 24/7 Support:
508.531.1331
Equal Opportunity/Title IX:
508.531.2744
Facilities Management:
508.531.1296
Financial Aid:
508.531.1341
GLBTA Pride Center:
508.531.1408
Health Services:
508.531.1252
Human Resources & Talent Management:
508.531.1324
Military & Veteran Student Services:
508.531.2181
Lewis and Gaines Center for Inclusion & Equity:
508.531.6166
Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support Center:
508.531.2048
Student Accessibility Services:
508.531.2194
Student Success and Equity Interventions:
508.531.1407
University Police:
508.531.1212
Frequently Asked Questions
Suicide Prevention
Accordion Content
If you can’t be sure that yourself, or the person in distress, can keep themselves safe from serious harm then calling 911 is the right move. It is better to call and seek guidance and assistance than to wonder about whether you did enough.
Anyone who is depressed, going through a hard time, needs to talk, or is thinking about suicide can call or text the 988 lifeline to talk or text chat. The lifeline counselors are here to listen and support you through whatever difficult times you may be facing.
Possibly, but only if it’s necessary. If you call the BSU after hours service, and the clinician on the phone determines that the person of concern is in imminent danger, then the police will be contacted to facilitate transport to the nearest hospital (Brockton Hospital if you’re on campus). The national suicide hotline has a similar protocol, designed to keep people safe when they’re feeling suicidal.
No. The police assist with every mental health emergency on campus and are highly trained to respond to mental health calls. They arrive on scene to assess the situation and to make sure that the person of concern is safely transported to a facility where care can be delivered. If the police assess a situation and find that transport is not necessary, they collaborate with the BSU Wellness Center to make sure that students are seen to follow up with their mental health crisis. In all of these cases the police are happy to assist as part of their commitment to community policing.
There are many ways to get involved. For example:
Join the student group Active Minds, who focus on mental health advocacy.
Join the Wellness Center in our various programs, including National Suicide Awareness Month (Fall) and our annual Out of the Darkness walk to support suicide prevention (Spring).
Overdose Prevention
Accordion Content
In areas other than approved or licensed locations, all persons are prohibited from being present where there are alcoholic beverage containers, whether those containers are full, partially full or empty. Except for employment or other permissive purposes, students under the age of 21 may not be in the presence of alcohol or alcohol containers. Please see the full
Alcohol Policy
.
When a student aids an intoxicated or impaired individual by contacting the Bridgewater State University Police or Residence Life and Housing staff, it is up to the discretion of the Director of Community Standards, or designee, to determine if any involved parties, student organizations the Community Standards process. This does not preclude action regarding other violations of University standards such as causing or threatening physical harm, damage to property, harassment, hazing, or violations of the Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy.
No, the campus does not currently host an AA meeting. For a listing of AA meetings close to campus please visit the
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Finder
.
The BSU Police offer a training on the use of the opioid antagonist Naloxone (Narcan). For more information please contact Detective Sargent McAvoy of the BSUPD.
Narcan can be found in a “Naloxbox” can be found near the info desk of the RSU and inside most residence hall AED unit boxes.
Sexual Assault
Accordion Content
Please review the “
confidentiality and reporting
” section of the EO/Title IX website. If you want to speak to someone on campus about a sexual assault before you know whether you’ll report, please make sure to reach out to one of our campus ‘confidential’ supports (Wellness/SVAS).
Confidential support can be found with the clinical staff at the Wellness Center and the staff of the Sexual Violence Advocacy and Support (SVAS) Center.
Please review the “
preserving evidence
” page at the EO/Title IX website to learn how best to proceed immediately after an assault. Please remember that you are not alone and BSU has many
resources
to assist you through this difficult time.
Domestic Abuse
Accordion Content
There are many resources available to help you. We recommend that you first address your safety and the safety of any vulnerable populations involved (minors, elderly). Please contact your local police department or the BSU Police department to learn more about legal interventions. For shelters and other resources please check out this list of
resources by county
.
Yes, there are several ways to get assistance. You can seek a consultation at the SVAS center, the BSU Wellness Center or with our BSU Police. Relationship violence can occur even when you don’t live together and we’re here to support you in finding safety.
Emergency Housing
Accordion Content
Yes. There are several options that may be available to you depending on your situation. The first move would be to contact Eileen Estudante, our single point of contact on Housing Insecurity, and set up a time to discuss your concern. Email
lestudante@bridgew.edu
or call 508.531.1819.
BSU can sometimes assist students with our Student Emergency Fund when there are no other viable options. We also encourage students to visit the
Student Resource Page
available on the Center for Student Support site for state-supported programs including
MA Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)
.
The
Center for Student Support
and the Office for Residence Life and Housing would be happy to work with you to see whether this is an option that would make sense for you. The Center for Student Support can also connect you to additional resources on and off campus that may be helpful in your specific situation. The Center for Student Support can also be reached by phone at 508-531-1503.
Care Team
Accordion Content
If you have concerns about a student's behavior or life experiences that
do not necessitate and immediate response,
you may submit a referral to the
Care Team
. For immediate emergencies, contact University Police by call 911 from a campus phone or 508.531.1212.
Make a referral by:
Submitting an online
referral to the Care Team
The Care Team will evaluate the referral and determine the appropriate response. The Care Team will also notify other university officials as warranted.
BSU Student Resources
At BSU, we understand the impact that stressors outside of the classroom can have on your student success. We also understand the significant cost of higher education and the overall impact attending college can have on your availability to work and cover the basics. We have compiled the following resources that may help ease the struggle and set you up for success.
*BSU login required.
Family Resources*
Financial Resources*
Food Assistance
Non-Emergency Housing*
Health & Wellness
Heat & Utilities*
Equal Opportunity
Legal Resources*
Transportation*
Other Resources*
How to Talk to Students
HOW TO BRING IT UP
rgb(137,25,31)
It’s often a relief to students to know that people at the university notice and care.
Broach the subject in a caring, supportive way
Clearly express your concerns in non-disparaging non-confrontational terms.
Remind the student of their personal responsibility as a member of the community
Respect the student’s privacy but do not promise confidentiality
HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT
rgb(137,25,31)
Whether you or a student broaches the topic, it is important to have privacy and some time without interruption.
Don’t minimize the problem or solve too quickly with advice.
Let the student express emotion (often it has been building/bottled up)
Ask if the student has found anything to help with the problem.
Inquire about their support network
HOW TO REFER
rgb(137,25,31)
The student situation may be beyond what you can address, but your support is still critical
Reassure student the decisions to seek/accept help is a wise choice and they are not alone
Offer to meet to ensure follow through
Refer to the CARE Team
If an emergency — DO NOT WAIT — call BSU Police at
508.531.1212
or
911
Distress Signals
Being aware of
distress signals
, ways to intervene, and resources will help you respond effectively to an individual who needs help. Take the signs of distress seriously, particularly if it is not normally characteristic of the person. You might be the one saving a life by being available at the right place and right time with the right resources.
Accordion Content
Decline in grades
Repeated absences
Not doing homework
Multiple requests for extensions
Considering leaving school
Disruption to learning environment
Inappropriate or concerning content in assignments/presentations
Depression: crying spells, feeling sad more often than not
Anxiety: feeling tense, nervous, worried, panic attacks (could include PTSD)
Antagonistic to others, unprovoked anger
Impulsiveness, loss of self control
Confused speech or behavior
Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia
Overwhelming concern about finances, relationships, balancing multiple demands, etc.
Changes in physical appearance, poor hygiene
Excessive fatigue, low energy
Agitated expression or movements
Excessive weight loss/gain
Bruises, cuts or other injury
Physical or verbal outbursts
Withdrawing socially, avoiding eye contact
Statements about death, dying, suicide, homicide, etc.
Physical violence
Sexual assault
Stalking and harassment of any kind
Intoxicated or under the influence
Threatening communication
Contact Us
If none of the linked pages above contain the resource that you are looking for, or you need assistance navigating this page, please contact the Division for Student Life office during business hours and we will assist you.
Division for Student Life
Boyden Hall, Rm 106
131 Summer Street
Bridgewater
,
MA
02325
United States
508-531-1276
studentlife@bridgew.edu