Project LETS Student Handbook: Mental Health Resources Crises Note: Crises look, feel, and sound different for everybody. You do not need to feel suicidal to use any of these resources. Confidentiality Note: Depending on your carrier, phone numbers called can appear on your phone bill (usually without any description).
Brown-Affiliated Emergency Numbers Brown Emergency Medical Services (EMS) (401) 863-4111: I f you feel you need emergency medical services, you can call this number and trained student EMTs will respond to your location and evaluate your condition. Keep in mind that you could be brought to the hospital without your consent if you are intoxicated, under 18, or mention being suicidal. Ambulance is free of charge. (This is the same number used to contact the Department of Public Safety, i.e. campus police, and the fire department.) Dean of the Day (401) 863-3145: D uring business hours, you can make a same-day appointment to see a dean to discuss a family or personal emergency Administrator on Call (401) 863-4111: D uring nights and weekends, Public Safety can connect you to the Administrator on Call for support during a family or personal emergency Sexual Assault Response Line (401) 863-6000: 2 4/7 access to a crisis counselor for information and support in the immediate aftermath of a sexual assault. A counselor can accompany you to the hospital if needed. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) (401) 863-3476: see CAPS in A dministration-Affiliated Mental Health Services
Outside Crisis Phone Lines National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1‑800‑273‑8255 (TALK): Confidential and toll-free, provides 24/7 connection with crisis counselors who can talk you through your situation and refer you to mental health service. ● Confidentiality: If you say that you plan to immediately harm yourself or others, it is possible that emergency services could be called without your permission. ● 1-888-628-9454 - Spanish ● 1-800-799-4889 - Deaf or Hard of Hearing Callers ● 1-800-273-8255 - Veteran Crisis Line ● 1-800-985-5900 - Disaster Distress Helpline Samaritans of Rhode Island (401) 272-4044 / (800) 365-4044: Confidential listening line, staffed by volunteers, can provide connections to local mental and physical health services
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Confidentiality: Make sure to read their c onfidentiality disclaimer before using this line. Information threatening to attack others is not confidential.
Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860: Crisis hotline by and for transgender people, including those unsure of their gender identity. ● Confidentiality: Volunteers will only call emergency services with your express consent. Trevor Project Lifeline (866) 488-7386: N ational 24/7 confidential crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline for LGBTQ young people ages 13-24.
Text Message Crisis Services Crisis Text Line Text HELLO to 741741: Free, anonymous 24/7 text line for people in crisis providing active listening and suggested referrals TrevorText Text Trevor to (202) 304-1200: T ext version of the Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ young people. Standard text message rates apply. ● Thursdays and Fridays 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Online Crisis Chats Lifeline Crisis Chat: This is an online chat version of the Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It is also free, 24/7, and confidential. There is sometimes a wait, so it is recommended that you call the lifeline or seek out a different resource if you need help immediately. ● Confidentiality: All data is encrypted. If you say that you plan to immediately harm yourself or others, it is possible that emergency services could be called without your permission. Project LETS Peer Counselor Online Chat: Trained counselors with lived experience providing a safe and confidential online resource. You can also engage in one-on-one online peer counseling. ● Monday - Friday: 12 pm - 12 am ● Saturday - Sunday: 10 am - 1 am *Not currently in service TrevorChat: O nline chat version of the Trevor Project Lifeline for LGBTQ young people. There is sometimes a wait, so it is recommended that you call the lifeline or seek out a different resource if you need help immediately. Best accessed from a computer. ● Everyday 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Strategies Emergency Action for Panic Attacks: Steps to follow to alleviate feelings of panic or help a friend through a panic attack Create your own safety/crisis plan: T his is just one example. Consider creating a plan that details what can trigger a crisis for you, what one looks like, what you need to do to stay safe, etc. Grounding Techniques: A variety of techniques to keep you in the present moment
Taking Care After an Emergency Room Visit: A guide by the Suicide Prevention Lifeline for those coming out of emergency hospitalization
Self-Harm Self-harm is anything that causes you bodily harm. Whether it's scratching, hitting, biting, cutting, hair pulling, etc. Its is all considered self-harm. Non-suicidal self injury (NSSI): Deliberate, self-inflicted destruction of body tissue resulting in immediate damage, without suicidal intent and for purposes not culturally sanctioned. ● Because NSSI can look so much like a suicidal gesture, it can be confusing, and often frightening; but it is important to clarify intentions with the individual engaging in the behavior - and not to make assumptions. First Aid Staying Safe - Looking After You First-Aid for Self-Injury and Self-Harm Caring for Self Harm Wounds Alternatives to Self-Harm: A list of actions that can distract or give sensation without harming yourself Create a Self-Harm Action Plan: This is an example of a plan for supporting someone who is self-harming, but can be adapted for your own use. Consider tracking small, measurable goals and documenting specific strategies. Note about using health services for self-harm attention: I f your wounds are identified as self-harm, health services will communicate with CAPS and initiate a meeting with a CAPS counselor.
Psychiatric Medications Types of Psychiatric Medications: The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses list of a variety of types of psychiatric medications, how they work, and possible side effects Harm Reduction Guide to Coming off Psychiatric Medications: A guide by the Icarus Project and Freedom Center to reducing negative effects if you choose to discontinue use of psychiatric medication
Administration-Affiliated Mental Health Services Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) 401-863-3476 ● Counseling Appointments (Therapists) ○ Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm ○ To make a free appointment, call 401-863-3476 or visit J. Walter Wilson (69 Brown Street) 5th floor
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Appointments book up quickly. Be sure to tell the receptionist it is an emergency if you need an appointment soon. ○ There is no longer a session limit, but appointments still operate on a short-term care model LETS Talk Program ○ Let's Talk is a community based program designed to reach out to student populations that would not otherwise seek counseling services. Students and counselors engage in brief conversations regarding counseling services, community resources, and simple problem solving. ○ The end goals are helping students navigate available resources more effectively and reducing barriers to help-seeking. Let's Talk encounters are not therapy and cannot be used as a substitute for mental health treatment or as a mechanism for expediting entry into the CAPS system. Those who might benefit include students who are curious or uncertain about the benefits of counseling or those seeking to improve upon their self-care. ○ Conversations with Let's Talk counselors are confidential, with a few very rare exceptions. Counselors may need to share information in an emergency when there is an immediate threat of harm to self or others. ■ Imminent threat = intent, plan, means ○ Nelson Fitness Center, Room 108E (the Conference Room) ■ Erin Lane-Aaronian, PsyD 8:50-9:50 am Tuesdays 2/14, 2/28, 3/14, 4/4, 4/18, 5/2, 5/16 ■ Jamall Pollock, LICSW 1:50-2:50 pm Thursdays 2/23, 3/9, 3/23, 4/13, 4/27, 5/11, 5/25 ○ Sarah Doyle Women's Center (Lounge, 1st floor) ■ Kate Stewart, PhD Tuesdays 1-1:50 pm ○ First Generation College and Low-Income Student Center (Room 518) ■ Linda Welsh, PhD Tuesdays 12-1 pm ○ Brown Center for Students of Color (Informal Lounge, 2nd floor) ■ Nikole Barnes, LICSW Thursdays 1-3 pm 3/2, 3/16, 4/6, 4/20, and 5/4. ■ Heather Wong-Bailey, PsyD Fridays 11-1 pm 3/10, 3/24, 4/14, and 5/12. After Hours ○ Calling CAPS after hours or on weekends will direct you to the ProtoCall service for emergency support, assessment, and/or referrals Medication Management (Psychiatrists) ○ CAPS has 2 psychiatrists available for the prescription of psychiatric medications. S tudents must be seeing an off-campus therapist. Support/Therapy Groups ○ Email or call the group leader to attend a support or therapy group ○ Groups change each semester but have focused on returning from leave, social anxiety, ADHD/ADD, generalized anxiety, chronic health issues, non-binary/genderqueer/trans students, depression, bipolar, panic, and more in the past Other Resources ○ Online Self-Help Library ○ Self-Help Books: can be rented for 2 weeks with a $5 deposit ○ Light Therapy Boxes: can be tested with a $25 deposit ○ Mental Health Screenings: Anonymous self screenings for a variety of mental health issues Make sure to thoroughly read their confidentiality and crises policies and procedures before moving forward. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality, ask! If you would like to work with a student advocate, reach out to l etsatbrown@gmail.com
Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life
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The chaplains have office hours and are available to discuss religious, spiritual, personal, and academic issues. ○ Some students have found Janet Cooper-Nelson to be especially helpful The interfaith supper happens on most thursday nights at 5:30 pm. These dinners are free and open to all students, can accommodate special dietary needs, and are hosted at Janet-Cooper Nelson’s house. The Chaplain’s meeting room on the fourth floor of J. Walter Wilson, is a beautiful study spot with super comfy couches. There is also a meditation room across the hall.
Substance Abuse Dean: Dean Shannon O’Neill is the Dean of Chemical Dependency dedicated to supporting students in recovery from chemical dependency and to assisting students negatively affected by their own or others’ substance abuse ● For more information on available services, e-mail s hannon_oneill1@brown.edu or call (401) 863-2536 Brown Early Sobriety Group: Provides a support system through weekly 1-hour meetings for students who have a history of chemical dependency and commitment to sobriety, with the ultimate goal being the creation and maintenance of a support system in order to best navigate life at Brown. Contact Dean Shannon O’Neill in the Office of the Dean of the College for more information about membership.
Peer Support Services Peer Mental Health Advocates: Brown students who are t rained a s peer counselors and advocates w ith lived experience with mental illness. You do not n eed a diagnosed mental illness to work with a PMHA. ● PMHA’s work with students one-on-one a nd l ong-term t o support them with: 1) daily management; 2) social and emotional support; 3) academic and crisis support; 4) advocacy services; 5) building coping skills and strategies for living with mental illness; and 6) ongoing, non-limited support. ● Examples of services PMHAs provide include: creating personalized safety/relapse prevention plans, reminders of medications and appointments, accessing help and resources on/off-campus, answering questions about mental illness, providing support in times of struggle and crisis, and providing information relating to coping mechanisms and how to maintain healing. ● You may also anonymously refer a student to a PMHA at letsatbrown.org/pmhas. Animal-Assisted Therapy: Provides weekly 10-minute sessions with registered therapy animals by appointment in Faunce. E-mail is baat@brown.edu, Facebook is @ brownaat. The group also provides opportunities to train as a therapy animal handler and/or to work as a volunteer by helping to schedule appointments and helping to promote the program. Brown University Mediation Project: Promotes practice of peaceful conflict resolution through providing mediation, conflict coaching and educational workshops to members of the Brown community through students, faculty, and staff volunteers trained to be qualified mediators ● E-mail them at bump@brown.edu Residential Peer Leaders (RPLs): a student leader assigned to all first-year units to support departmental goals related to topics including but not limited to first generation students, academic and curricular support, and first year college transitions Community Advisors (CAs): student advisor working to support students in sophomore residential communities in academic development, identity exploration, and leadership development; also working in
junior/senior residential communities supporting departmental goals related to helping students develop independent living skills, preparing for life after Brown, and beginning to create a professional network Women Peer Counselors (WPCs): a student leader assigned to all first-year units to facilitate community building, with a specific focus on topics including, but not limited to, sexism, gender issues,
contraception and safer sex, eating concerns, sexuality, relationships, assertiveness, sexual harassment and assault, and other matters impacting women on Brown’s campus.
Minority Peer Counselors (MPCs): a student leader assigned to all first-year units to facilitate community building. They are overseen jointly by the Office of Residential Life and the BCSC. They have a specific focus on topics regarding racism and its intersection with other issues such as classism, sexism, cissexism, and heterosexism. They conduct a variety of workshops open to all Brown students each semester.
Academic Support Meiklejohns: First year student adviser, usually paired with your first year academic adviser. Trained to provide academic advice and counseling. Matched Advising Program for Sophomores (MAPS): Program which pairs sophomores with junior and senior students who have same interests in order to provide help and advising with concentration declaration, internship and employment opportunities, and general academic counseling. Group/Individual Tutoring: Group tutoring provides support for many introductory and intermediate level courses, particularly in STEM. Individual tutors are available for intro language courses, and for students who have enrolled in group tutoring but are in danger of earning a C or lower in their course. Sign ups for group tutoring open at the beginning of each semester. Individual Academic Coaching: Upperclassmen trained to advise you about academic matters, including studying techniques and habits, helping you organize your time and be efficient, motivating you, as well as providing personal experiences and anecdotes. Sign up opens after shopping period. Writing Center: Students and professionals who are available to help you with writing and essays; they are very open to international students as well. They have relocated to the 5th floor of the Scili (previously in JWW). Request an appointment online in advance - they can book up quickly. ● Monday - Thursday 3 pm - 9 pm Science Advising: Provides academic support in the way of course load, class combinations, and general apprehensions about classes for students in STEM disciplines. Much of the advising hours take place in the Science Center on the 3rd floor of the SciLi. Women in Science and Engineering: a student group focusing on the support of women and other underrepresented populations in science and engineering. Open to people of all identities. The group pairs first-year students with an upperclassman mentor, and hosts study sessions, networking events, and bonding activities. Women in Computer Science: provides support for women in the field of computer science in the way of mentoring programs, outreach, and social events.
Women’s Launch Pad: mentoring program for Brown senior class women pairing them with alumnae to help navigate the transition to life after Brown Curricular Resource Center: provides support in helping students engage with Brown’s open curriculum and utilizing its academic resources, contains student coordinators and volunteers coordinate information sessions, community-building events, and individual meetings with students for advising about independent studies and concentrations, applying for funding opportunities, issues related to sophomore year, etc. Center for Careers and Life after Brown (CareerLAB): students and professionals providing counselling and support for applying for jobs, internships, and funding opportunities
Administrative Support Student and Employee Accessibility Services (SEAS) (401) 863-9588: A nswers requests for accommodations and services related to disability; coordinates and facilitates services for students, faculty, staff and visitors with physical, psychological, and learning disabilities; also provides temporary accommodations related to injury and a SEAS OnCall shuttle ● Visit SEAS at 20 Benevolent Street (Next to Sarah Doyle Women’s Center) NOTE: Other than the ground floor, the building is inaccessible. Office of Student Life (OSL) (401) 863-3145: a n office of the university that supports four programs: 1. Code of Student Conduct: Oversees all student conduct hearings for code violations, can issue no-contact orders. 2. Student Support Services: Deans available to support students through providing Dean’s notes for excusal from class/extensions on assignments and/or discussing accommodations to facilitate smoother transitions into student life after crises. (Caution: not all deans may provide welcoming support) 3. SEAS (see section on SEAS) 4. Office of Institutional Diversity (see section on Office of Institutional Diversity) ● Visit OSL at 42 Charlesfield Street (Grad Center E), 4th floor Dean of the College: ● Dean Cohen: senior associate dean of the college for class advising/health and personal issues; oversees academic and co-curricular programs for all four classes and provides support for students managing personal or health circumstances ○ E-mail her at carol_cohen@brown.edu ● Dean Cohee: director of the Sarah Doyle Women’s Center (which serves as a resource to an active and well-informed women’s community with a long history of social involvement and a broad commitment to issues of social change) ○ E-mail her at gail_cohee@brown.edu Office of International and Student Scholar Services: Office designed to help international students with different matters, including employment, signing your I-20, filling out your taxes, and anything else related to international students
Health Services On Campus Health Services (401) 863-3953: A small clinic on campus with a dozen doctors and nurses. Visits are free, but extra services (like labs) may go through insurance. Call ahead for an appointment. ● Located at 13 Brown Street Nursing Advice Hotline (401) 863-1330: R eceive 24/7 medical advice from a nurse Pharmacy (401) 863-7882: on-campus location for filling prescriptions and buying basic OTC medications (cold, cough, birth control, including emergency birth control) on the second floor of the Health Services building BWell Health Promotion: Coordinates health education and programming. Lots of health information on their website. Located on the third floor of Health Services
Off Campus The Providence Center Anchor Recovery Community Center (with peer counselors who are called in to be present with patients who have overdosed when they wake up in the emergency room) Hearing Voices Network (have to vett more carefully, UK organization) NAMI NIMH Eye-to-Eye (ADHD + LD Advocacy Organization) SAMHSA Note about psych calls: Request to be transported to Butler Hospital (a psychiatric hospital), not Rhode Island Hospital (a general hospital), which is the default for these calls. Butler is much more well-equipped to handle psychiatric emergencies than the psych ward at RIH. “Some people have described the psych ward at RIH as very fluorescent and cold, while Butler tends to be warmer, with a lot more staff ready to help patients ease back into life after hospitalization (such as more social workers helping low-income/uninsured patients seek ongoing medical help).” Brown University Student
Online Communities CAUTION: Various online communities (e.g. Tumblr for Borderline Personality Disorder, Pacifica for Depression and Anxiety) can be very helpful if utilized carefully. They acknowledge the existence of mental illness, provide a safe space for people to share and read experiences of others, which often leads to the feeling that you are not alone, and that there is hope that one can lead a fulfilled and happy life, even if they are diagnosed with a mental illness or show some symptoms of a mental illness. However, it is important to be
mindful of overusing these communities, since this can sometimes lead to co-rumination, which may increase symptoms.
Treatment Information and Supplements Zencare: a website where you can search a database of therapists. You can browse videos and photos of vetted therapists, check their availabilities, and book a free phone consult to ensure a good match before an in-person appointment. Many CAPS-recommended off-campus therapists are on Zencare, as well. Clinicians include psychiatrists (for medication), therapists, and dietitians (particularly for eating disorders). Zencare currently focuses on Providence and Boston.
National Alliance on Mental Illness: a national “mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.” On their website, you can find a ton of medical information on many common mental health-related diagnoses, including information about symptoms, common medications, and common treatment plans.
Psychology Today: Psychology Today features columns on relationships, mental health education, and work related
issues as well as recent mental health news, archives, and a national therapist directory. However, it is important not to take each article as absolutely true as everyone has different experiences.
Pacifica: iOS and Android app Pacifica is an app that offers daily tracking tools for stress, anxiety and depression based on cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation, and wellness. You can use it to track your mood, set your daily goals, do mindfulness meditations and relaxation activities as well as connect through support groups. Note that this app is not a substitute for professional treatment. Blink: iOS and Android app Blink is an app that allows Americans to save on their prescriptions by discounting the cost of medications by up to 95% (no matter if you’re insured or under/uninsured). You get $5 off your first purchase. Note that while most medications are discounted, some medications that are still newly patented might still be expensive. Otherwise, this app is amazing for saving money and works at Brown pharmacy!
A masterpost of MORE online resources
Resources for Students with Autism* *That are NOT Autism Speaks What’s wrong with Autism Speaks? Autism Speaks does not have any members with autism on their board and, therefore, lacks input from the group most central to their mission. They spend most of their money on research to eliminate autism rather than services for those with autism. Lastly, many of their campaigns have portrayed people with autism in a negative light. Read this article by a Georgetown student with autism for more information. What other organizations can I support? Autistic Self Advocacy Network Autism National Committee Autism Network International Autism Women's Network
Wellness CAUTION: As with all exercises, it is important to note that even wellness exercises can have negative side effects. For example, studies have shown that meditation can retrigger manic or depressive symptoms. Sometimes, qi gong has been known to cause a qi gong fever. Doing these exercises in moderation, however, can be very powerful and beneficial. Brown Meditation Community: campus-wide, non-denominational group of students and faculty who support each other’s meditation practices through sits, retreats, potlucks and social events ● Visit www.brownmeditation.com or e-mail m editationcommunity@brown.edu Brown Yoga and Mindfulness: student group providing opportunities for Brown/RISD community members to open their bodies, minds and hearts through yoga and mindfulness practice ● Visit www.namastebrown.com for more information Brown University Relaxation Project (BURP): group of student volunteers dedicated to promoting stress relief and relaxation to the Brown community. Students are trained by a licensed massage therapist to give stress-relieving shoulder rubs. ● Check Morning Mail for BURP events or visit https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/burp Online Qigong and Tai Chi videos such as this one: h ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZ9qM6G6l6g Qigong and Tai Chi can be very powerful tools in revitalizing, strengthening the muscles, and relaxing. Based on ancient Chinese medicine surrounding the topic of energetics, research has shown positive clinical effects of Tai Chi on depression. These exercises can be done anywhere to just recharge even! Here’s another website for more information: http://www.qigonginstitute.org/category/5/what-is-qigong
Student Clubs Related to Mental Health Project LETS: Project LETS, Inc. is a national non-profit organization -- T heir website contains lots of resources, crisis line services, and peer counseling programs. Project LETS at Brown is a student organization. The PMHA program is associated with the Project LETS at Brown student organization, but they are not one and the same; LETS National oversees chapters and peer counseling programs. ● Visit them at www.letsatbrown.org Active Minds: student-run club aimed at helping students becoming emotionally healthy before reaching a point of crisis through empowering students to speak about mental health, supporting students in making lifestyle changes to promote sounder mental health, encouraging students to seek help when they need it, and providing information and leadership opportunities and advocacy tools ● Visit them at www.brownactiveminds.com and www.activeminds.com Students for Samaritans: an organization at Brown University dedicated to suicide prevention and raising awareness of mental health on campus through its connections to Samaritans (a national suicide prevention organization, associated with the Catholic Church) with Brown students being paid/volunteer staff members of the Rhode Island hotline. ● Visit them on their Facebook page at h ttps://www.facebook.com/studentsforsamaritans/
Socioeconomic Class (First-Gen, Low-income, etc.) First-Gen College Student Center: a new space opening in Fall 2016 on the 5th floor of the Scili ● The First-Gen community comprises of community meetings, mentorship programs, and events geared towards First-Gen students at Brown. You can typically find more information about them through their e-mails or you can e-mail them at firstgen@brown.edu Brown University Class Confessions: a Facebook confessional about u nique experiences, problems, and insight of people from different socioeconomic backgrounds ● Find them at https://www.facebook.com/brownclassconfessions/ Brown University Micro/Aggressions: a place for historically marginalized people to anonymously share stories ● Find them at https://www.facebook.com/Brown-University-MicroAggressions-462419500533489/ $ocial Classmates: a student organization at Brown University working to raise awareness, foster dialogue and take action on issues pertaining to social class disparities and classism in the student body through workshops including safe spaces for constructively exploring social class ● Find them at http://socialclassmates.weebly.com/ Office of Financial Aid: an incredible resource with financial aid counselors that can discuss more about student financial aid options like loans, grants or scholarships; note that their office is usually extremely busy so expect a wait time whether you contact them by phone, e-mail or a visit ● Find them on the 3rd floor of J. Walter Wilson or e-mail them at f inancial_aid@brown.edu UFunds: Funds set outside from Brown to pay for needed services (such as travel or health treatment) ● Visit https://ufunds.brown.edu/ for more information ● Dean to contact: Veronica Elie ● Funds to check out: Emergency Fund Videos and Online Resources from Brown: https://www.brown.edu/about/administration/loans/getyourbearings/videos-online-resources
Religion Hillel: Offers weekly Shabbat (Friday night) services and (free) dinner open to all students ● Browse their website http://www.brownrisdhillel.org ● Rabbi Michelle Dardashti:rabbi@brown.edu Non-denominational meditation community: meditationcommunity@brown.edu College Hill Buddhists for Peace ● Fridays at 4:30 p.m. in 411 J. Walter Wilson Building ● kenichi_shimizu@brown.edu Brown Hindu Students' Association ● Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in 411 J. Walter Wilson Building ● swami_yogatmananda@brown.edu Brown Muslim Students' Association ● Jumu'ah Prayer; Fridays at 1:15 p.m.; Brown Muslim Student Center ● adrian_wood-smith@brown.edu Brown University Unitarian Universalist Group ● Sundays at 7:30 p.m.; First Unitarian Church - One Benevolent Street ● cseggel@gmail.com Christianity: Check here for list of resources
Culture and Race BCSC: Brown Center for Students of Color, community hub for students of color, coordinates cultural programming through heritage series (African American Heritage Series, Asian American Heritage Series, Native American Heritage Series, etc.) and social justice programming through TWTP (third world transition program) and social justice peer educators (SJPE); organizes minority peer counselor (MPC) residential program and ALANA (African American, Latino, Asian American, Native American) mentoring program ● Professional Staff: Dean Mary Grace Almandrez, Josh Segui, Anthony Mam, Shane Lloyd, Anne Marie Ponte ● Graduate interns: Tina Park, Joseph Argueta, Jennifer Castro, Donnie Taveras ● Website: https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/support/students-of-color/ ● Lovely walk-in spaces (lounges on first and second floor, identity spaces on third floor) Asian American Mentoring Program (new): a collaboration between Asian American Students Association and Asian American Student Initiative to build a community network of support for incoming AAPI-identifying first year and recent transfer students to foster strong interpersonal relationships between upperclassmen mentors and underclassmen mentees ● Contact Fue Vue at fue_vue@brown.edu International Mentoring Program: A yearlong mentoring program for international students and anyone who feels like an international student. A great way to meet other international students, learn about resources available to international students, find peers to fill out your taxes with, and many other things. The International Orientation happens before regular orientation. ● More info: https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/support/international-mentoring-program/ ● E-mail: imp@brown.edu Student Clubs*: There are many student clubs for many different races/cultures! Browse through these clubs using BearSync at https://orgsync.com/browse_orgs/741 ● BOMBS ● Black Student Union Women of Color Collective ● Natives at Brown *non-exhaustive list
Gender and Sexuality LGBTQ+ Center: center for community and events programming around queer identities; located on the third floor of the Faunce campus center ● Director: Kelly Garrett, kelly_garrett@brown.edu ● Program coordinator: Je-Shawna Wholley, j e-shawna_wholley@brown.edu ● Renn mentoring program (matching undergraduates with graduate students, faculty, and alums) ● Pride/Resilience events series ● Queer Alliance (QA): umbrella organization for queer student groups Sarah Doyle Women’s Center: center ● Director: Gail Cohee, gail_cohee@brown.edu ● Assistant Director: Felicia Salinas-Moniz, f elicia_salinas@brown.edu
Men’s Health Coordinator: Marc Peters is the Men’s Health Coordinator at BWell Health Promotion, where he focuses on educating students about masculinity and its effects on Brown’s campus and in society. He runs several events throughout the year, and is available by appointment. ● Contact: Marc_peters@brown.edu GPS (Gender, Power, Sexuality) Workshop: a semester-long peer-facilitated workshop covering topics of gender, bodily autonomy, and sexuality (among other things!) available by application every semester. Information sessions offered at the beginning of each semester, ● Website: www.genderpowersexuality.org ● Contact: genderpowersexuality@gmail.com SHAG (Sexual Health Awareness Group): a peer-to-peer group trained through BWell (the Office of Health Promotion) that provides access to basic safer sex supplies (including through mail delivery via Ship-n-SHAG), confidentially answers questions related to sexual health over email (askSHAG@gmail.com) and text (email SHAG@brown.edu to request texting number), holds open hours, and presents sexual health workshops ● Facebook: www.facebook.com/shagatbrown/ ● Twitter: @shagatbrown ● Video series: https://www.brown.edu/campus-life/health/services/promotion/shag SHEEC (Sexual Health Education and Empowerment Council): a student group that offers workshops and presentations on healthy sexuality and sexual empowerment and schedules programming throughout the academic year ● Website: http://asksheec.wix.com/ ● Facebook: www.facebook.com/SHEECatBrown ● Contact: askSHEEC@gmail.com
Sexual Assault Title IX: The office in charge of receiving and investigating reports of sexual assault and harassment; Upon receipt of report, this office will contact students involved to inform them of their formal reporting options and refer them to resources ● There are currently two people covering Title IX duties for undergraduate students. Marc Peters, formerly in the BWell Office of Health Promotion, is receiving reports and providing information about resources and options. Kirsten Wolfe, Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct, is administering the processing of formally filed Title IX complaints. SHARE (Sexual Harassment and Assault Resources and Education) Advocates: providers of confidential counseling for students affected by sexual violence ● Alana Sacks, alana_sacks@brown.edu ● Elliot Ruggles, elliot_ruggles@brown.edu SAPE (Sexual Assault Peer Education): a peer-to-peer education group trained through BWell (the Office of Health Promotion) that offers sexual violence prevention workshops to student groups (including Greek life and athletics) ● Contact: SAPE@brown.edu Non-Brown: End Rape on Campus: endrapeoncampus.org
Safety Brown On-Call: a point-to-point shuttle service run by DPS for use by the Brown community to ensure a safe and secure campus. Downtown hospitals are included in the coverage area. Can be used by anyone with a Brown ID, and riders can bring one guest (who also must have a Brown ID). Rides can be requested beginning at 7 pm, though often there is a wait due to high demand. ● Request a ride by calling (401) 863-1778 or online at http://shuttle.brown.edu/ Brown Daytime/Evening Shuttle Service: scheduled, fixed-route services available specifically developed to provide transportation between Brown/RISD and the hospitals via downtown and the Jewelry District; available to all students, faculty and staff, and hospital affiliates with a Brown or RISD ID; shuttle tracker also available ● For more information, go to https://www.brown.edu/about/administration/transportation/brown-university-shuttle Safe Walk: a student-run offshoot of DPS, Safewalk runs Sunday night through Thursday night from 9 pm until 2:15 AM and consists of pairs of student “Safewalkers” (identifiable by their neon vests/jackets) who offer peers walks to their destinations. Each Safewalker pair carries a radio which allows them to contact both the Safewalk office and DPS. Students may request Safewalks by calling the office at 401 863-1079. SEAS Shuttle
Leavetaking See Curricular Resource Center and Office of Student Life. Project LETS will discuss leavetaking and narratives in our full Student Handbook.
Artistic Expression Classes at Brown such as VISA0100 AS220: A space which may be used by artists to create, perform, and exhibit their work in an uncensored and nonjudgemental environment. The building includes a theater, a darkroom, a dance studio, a fabrication lab, an electronics lab, a media arts lab, several gallery spaces, a bar, and a restaurant. Check it out at as220.org. Play music at Brown! ● Join a student club (find them using BearSync at h ttps://orgsync.com/browse_orgs/741) ● Take classes in the music department ● Practice playing music in Steinert (located on the corner of Hope and Power, they have practice rooms for music for use) ARTBEAT: A student run group committed to fostering a community appreciative of art in all its forms. Check out past projects at anartbeataway.org. WORD Brainstorming (LETS Space): Hosted by Project LETS, this is a space in which you are free to create in whichever way you choose and brainstorm ideas with others. PMHAs will be available as resources. Dance Clubs Clubs for Vocals RISD Museum: Just down the hill, the RISD Museum offers collections including Asian, contemporary, and ancient, and decorative art, costumes and textiles, paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and photographs. Brown students get free admission!
Places to Get Away from Brown Nature India Point Park: A beautiful park located on the south side of Providence, India Point Park is great for running, hanging out, looking into the water, and, when needed, crying or singing when you’re feeling down. ● Go straight down Hope St until you reach Wickenden St and then you should find signs for India Point Park. Lincoln Woods Coastline Bristol Bike Path Blackstone Boulevard: Take the 40 bus to near Butler Hospital or take the 1 bus up Hope St. until you reach Blackstone Boulevard. A beautiful street for going on long walks. Boathouse: Sledding spots: Ice skating rinks:
Places to study Providence Athenaeum Library: L ocated on Benefit and Benevolent, this library is just a little off campus to get away from Brown but not too far away. A very homey place to just sit around and read or study. Providence Public Library: Another great library to quietly study away from Brown. Providence Public Library is located at 150 Empire St. RISD Library: The Fleet Library, which used to be a bank, is a gorgeous library located in 15 Westminster St. Brown students are allowed access with their student IDs. Small Point Cafe: Located on Westminster St and Dorrance St, Small Point Cafe is a cute cafe for doing work in Downtown Providence.
Publications and News Outlets that Align with our Values Guerrilla Feminism Everyday Feminism The Icarus Project Doll Hospital Journal Bluestockings Democracy Now! The Mighty The Body is Not an Apology Blavity Remezcla Black Girl Dangerous [This list is not exhaustive]
Community Efforts to Dismantle Societal Systems of Oppression Project LETS recognizes that the experiences of societal systems of oppression have caused struggles related to mental health; and are part of the reason certain struggles exist in the first place. Many of us find support, solidarity, and hope in directing efforts towards dismantling these systems; therefore, we find it important to highlight information about ways students can get involved in efforts to challenge and confront policies (both in government and in school) that further reinforce these systems of oppression. Here are some organizations with similar values: AS220: see Artistic Expression White Noise Collective: Mobilization of white people to disrupt racism and white supremacy Regulate RI: Anti-marijuana prohibition, pro-Good Samaritan Act Connect for Health: Advocating for families in health clinics Space in Prison for Arts and Creative Expression (SPACE): Art workshops for those in Rhode Island Adult Correctional Institutions Brown Students for a Sensible Drug Policy: Dedicated to ending the war on drugs Undergraduate Council of Students (UCS): Student representatives working for University policy changes Sexual Assault Peer Education (SAPE): Sexual assault prevention education Social Justice Peer Education Program (SJPE): Engaging the community in social justice issues Queer People and Allies for the Advancement of Medicine (QPAAM): see Gender and Sexuality Campaign Zero: Ending police brutality Black Lives Matter: Affirming Black lives in the face of oppression
Questions, comments, concerns? Let us know at letsatbrown@gmail.com.