Crisis Support for International Community

ISSS understands that being away from home when a crisis or tragedy occurs in one’s home country is extremely stressful.

As always, our door and hearts are open to listen and help you navigate difficult times. Do not hesitate to contact ISSS with your questions, concerns, and support needs.

Campus Resources

Here are some existing campus resources available to those who may be directly or indirectly impacted by a crisis. Please share them with anyone you feel could benefit.

Ways to Support Yourself and Each Other through a Traumatic Event

(for students, staff and faculty)

  • Provides students, staff and faculty with resources and options for confidential support, reporting concerns and skills for helping a fellow Buff in need.

AcademicLiveCare (for students, staff and faculty)

  • Free telehealth platform that allows students, staff and faculty to schedule and attend mental health and medical appointments from home, the office or wherever you are on the go.
  • AcademicLiveCare is not crisis or emergency care.

(for students, staff and faculty)

  • OVA offers free and confidential consultation, support, advocacy, and trauma focused short-term counseling for students and staff who have experienced a traumatic or life-disruptive event.
  • Location: Center for Community (C4C), N450
  • Phone: 303-492-8855 (24/7 phone support)

Human Made & Natural Disasters

Support After Various Disasters

Guidance for Supporting Others After a Traumatic Event

(for students)

  • CAPS offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for various concerns. They offer mental health skills related workshops, group therapy, brief individual therapy, psychiatry, and 24/7 crisis services.
  • Location: Center for Community (C4C), N352
  • Phone: 303-492-2277 (24/7 phone support)

(for students)

  • SSCM assists students who are experiencing distress due to personal or family situations. SSCM works collaboratively to support academic success and emotional well-being.
  • Location: Center for Community (C4C), N460
  • Phone: 303-492-7348

Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) (for staff and faculty)

  • The Faculty & Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) serves the emotional and psychological needs of the campus community. All FSAP staff are trained as counselors and may assist with a wide range of personal and work-related issues. All CU Boulder employees (faculty and staff) may use FSAP services at no cost . Due to licensing restrictions, employees must be in Colorado to use FSAP counseling services.
  • Location: Administrative & Research Center (ARC), 3100 Marine Street
  • Phone: 303-492-3020

The Real Help Hotline(for staff and faculty)

  • Provides access to professional counselors who offer assistance finding local resources as well as immediate crisis counseling. This program is free, confidential, and available to all employees 24/7.
  • Phone: 833-533-2428

Additional Campus Support Resources

Federal Government Special Student Relief

At times, the federal government provides (SSR) for international students in the U.S. when there is civil unrest, war, natural disaster, etc. in their home countries. ISSS will reach out to you directly if a SSR authorization could benefit you.

  •  A list of active SSR notices can be accessed on SEVP’s .

Humanitarian Aid Donation Guidelines

If you're interested in donating to a relief effort, here are some guidelines to follow. 

Before you donate, do your research.

  • Look for reputable, registered organizations and non-profits.
    • Review organizations' annual reports
  • Beware of scams and get a receipt for your donation.
  • The most effective form of donations are monetary ones at the local level.
  • Consider donating repeatedly to support long-term relief, not just short-term.