UCSB recognizes that students may experience a variety of unique challenges and remains committed to supporting them. If you find yourself in urgent need of resources – be it food, housing, finances, or any other basic needs – know that there are campus/community solutions available to you.
Responding to Urgent Crisis
If you're working with a student in need and are concerned about their personal wellbeing, please refer to the Distressed Student Protocol to determine appropriate steps.
Referral Tips
- Let the student know that you think they'd benefit from using campus/community resources.
- Assure them that it's okay (and common) to seek help when one is facing hardship.
- Together, identify resources that may be useful to the student and determine how to access them.
- Know where the Food Security and Basic Needs Advising Center is and be comfortable directing students to the Basic Needs Peer Advisors for in-depth advising.
Example Language
- "It seems like this is an ongoing situation. Have you considered looking into campus resources for help? There are a lot of options available to students, and I think these ________ might be a good fit for you."
- "I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to talk to me about this. Why don't I connect you to a Basic Needs Advocate? They're well-trained on this topic and can help you come up with a plan."
- "I'll be honest, I'm not that familiar with this issue. Let's hop onto food.ucsb.edu and see if there are resources that might help you out."
Not sure where to start?
Use this page as a roadmap for identifying what actions are right for your specific circumstances.
Food Assistance
⚠️ If facing immediate food stress, visit the AS Food Bank or Miramar Pantry to pick up staple items.
💬 To speak to someone about food resources, get in touch with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor & Calfresh Advocate online or in-person.
🔎 To learn about other options, explore the Food Section of our site.
Housing Assistance
⚠️ If facing urgent housing need, email the Financial Crisis Response Team.
💬 To speak to someone about housing options, get in touch with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor online or in-person.
🔎 To learn about other resources, explore the Housing Section of our site.
Financial Assistance
⚠️ If facing immediate financial need, contact the Financial Crisis Response Team.
💬 To speak to someone about financial resources, get in touch with a Basic Needs Peer Advisor online or in-person.
🔎 To learn about other options, explore the Financial Section of our site.
Wellbeing Assistance
⚠️ If experiencing urgent psychological distress, call CAPS at (805) 893-4411 (this 24/7 line is also available after hours).
🔎 To learn about other mental health and wellbeing resources, explore the Wellbeing Section of our site.
Student Mental Health Coordination Services
Student Mental Health Coordination Services is a readily accessible single point of contact for individuals concerned about a student in distress.
The coordinators will consult about a student, provide referrals to campus departments, develop action plans, and follow up with students, staff, and faculty, as appropriate.
SMHCS can provide a coordinated university response to a student in distress.
When to Contact the Coordinators
It is appropriate to contact Student Mental Health Coordination Services if you are working with a distressed student and you:
- Do not know where to refer him/her
- Would like to consult about possible responses
to a student’s behavior - Notice a student’s behavior is making others
feel uncomfortable
- Believe there may be safety concerns in the future
- Have called 911 because of a safety concern
- Would like future follow up to know if the student is connected to appropriate support services
The Coordinators Will
- As needed, mobilize the Student Behavioral Intervention Team and/or the Students of Concern Team (may include Counseling & Psychological Services, Student Health Services, Office of Student Conduct, Residential & Community Living, Disabled Students Program, UC Police Department, and others)