No specific university policy for handling mentally unstable students
Central Michigan University has no specific policy for handling mentally distressed students, though help is available individually.
Those students who are considered to be experiencing mental problems rarely pose any sort of threat to their peers, said Deanna Johnson, lead counselor in residence for Residence Life.
“There have been many instances of (mentally) distressed students at CMU,” Johnson said. “But very few of them have ever been violent."
Each situation is handled on a specific basis, she said. There are steps students can take if they believe someone is mentally unstable.
“Students should share their concerns with their (resident assistant)," Johnson said. "Residence Life tries to be proactive when it comes to handling problems with mentally distressed students. The (resident assistants) and multicultural advisers are trained to spot out minor problems before they escalate into major issues."
The recent Arizona shooting has provoked some students and parents to wonder about about peers who may be mentally unstable. The alleged shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, is suspected of suffering from mental problems throughout his life.
Loughner attended a Tuscon community college but withdrew when the institution requested a letter from a mental health professional stating he posed no danger to himself or others.
“I would like to be informed if my roommate had some type of serious mental disorder so I could prepare myself to deal with them,” said New Jersey freshman Perry Watkins. “But I guess I do understand why I can’t know that information."
CMU does not require students to inform officials if they have mental health issues.
“Any health-related issues that Central does know about, including mental issues, can’t be disclosed to roommates or other students because of privacy laws," said Tony Voisin, director of Student Life.
Johnson said many people with such issues can still attend an institution of higher learning.
“A lot of people with mental issues can function normally," Johnson said. "But whenever one lashes out, it is so highly publicized"
