The University prides itself on being a warm and caring community whose members look out for one another. The University's goal is to foster an atmosphere of actively encouraging persons who appear to be troubled or distressed to seek help.

Faculty members with concerns about the physical or psychological well-being of a student are advised to contact either Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) or the Office of the Vice President, Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students.

The CAPS business hours number is (434) 924-5362. If an emergency should arise after 5:00 PM. or on weekends that is potentially life-threatening, faculty members should contact 911 and appropriate help will be dispatched. If the crisis is non-life threatening but nonetheless requires immediate assistance, faculty members may contact the Student Health after-hours answering service by dialing (434) 297-4261. The CAPS on-call professional will respond by phone within a short period of time.

The Dean-on-Call program, providing 24/7 support and crisis management services for students within the University community, is managed by the Office of the Vice President, Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students. Those in need of support or referrals may contact the program at (434) 924-7133 Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM, or after hours by contacting the University Police Department at (434) 924-7166 and asking them to refer the issue to the Dean on Call. The Office of the Vice President, Chief Student Affairs Officer and Dean of Students is available to assist students, or consult with faculty, on a wide-array of things related to student support and wellbeing.