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The UCRT involves individuals from many roles/offices of the University, ranging from faculty and staff members to clergy and Counseling Center mental health professionals. Regardless of his or her ordinary role, each individual has participated in thorough, internationally recognized Critical Incident Stress Management training.
 
Team members might act to assist a group of people or a single individual, depending on need. In addition to critical incidents that affect several in our campus community, Team members are also available to help in the case of critical incidents that affect one or two individuals.
 
University of Indianapolis strives to support the physical and emotional well-being of each individual in the campus community.

What is the UIndy Crisis Response Team?
The University of Indianapolis Crisis Response Team exists to address immediate emotional distress and mental health needs of the campus community that may occur in a crisis or emergency situation. The Team provides immediate, compassionate, practical information and resources for those impacted by trauma and serious loss. Stress-related symptoms can be decreased if individuals receive immediate attention to basic psychological needs and stress reactions after a critical incident.
 
What is a Critical Incident?
Acute stress reactions may occur after exposure to a specific traumatic event, such as experiencing and/or witnessing a traumatic incident, serious accident, violent crime, or tragic death/illness.  
 
Common signs and symptoms of panic to stress reaction are:
Physical: nervousness, sleep disturbance, change in appetite, and body tension

Cognitive: distressing memories, new or different worries, and difficulty concentrating

Emotional: shock, fear, loss of enjoyment, and anger/irritability

Behavioral: restlessness, withdrawal from others, being easily startled, and missing work or school.

Contacting UCRT

Although any member of the University community, including faculty/staff, students, or parents, can request the assistance of the UIndy Crisis Response Team, the Team is activated only by designated University officials.
 
UCRT is an integral part of the University’s overall Emergency Management Plan and respects incident command procedures in the case of any large-scale disaster.
 
To request the UCRT, contact:
Kory Vitangeli
Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
317-788-3485
 
For information about training to become a member of Team contact:
Dr. Kelly Miller
Chair of UCRT & Counseling Center Director
317-788-5015

CISM is a method of helping first responders and others who have been involved with events that leave them emotionally and/or physically affected by those incidents. CISM is a process that enables peers to help their peers understand problems that might occur after an event. This process also helps people prepare to continue to perform their services or in some cases return to a normal lifestyle. ICISF provides training for individuals interested in becoming a part of a crisis management team, or for an organization that is dedicated to helping individuals or groups recover from incidents. 

For more information, visit ICISF

If you’d like to become a member of UCRT, contact:
Dr. Kelly Miller, Chair of UCRT & Counseling Center Director at 317-788-5015