RISD remains open. Access to Brown is limited. Support resources are available.

Dec 16, 2025

originally published on 12/15, updated on 12/16 with additional grief counseling information

The city's shelter-in-place order is lifted; as such, RISD remains open. RISD’s Emergency Operations Command Team (EOCT) is actively monitoring the situation.

Authorities continue to investigate the scene on Brown’s campus and access to area may still be limited. Ongoing information can be found at brown.edu.

As we navigate this time together as a community, please know that there are various resources available to provide individual support to those who may be in distress.

ON-CAMPUS GRIEF COUNSELOR THIS WEEK
A grief counselor will be on campus on Wednesday, 12/17, and Thursday, 12/18, from 9 am–3 pm for students, staff, and faculty who may need additional support. This will be a drop-in opportunity (no appointment required) and will take place in Room 127 (behind the Portfolio Cafe) in 15 West, with a waiting area available as needed.

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)
All RISD students can access 24/7 confidential mental health counseling by calling Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 401-454-6637 at any time, to be connected with our after-hours counseling service.

If you are a RISD student currently in Rhode Island, you can also call CAPS for appointments or support during standard office hours at 72 Pine Street, 2nd floor (Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm eastern).

COASTLINE EAP
For any faculty or staff needing personal support, Coastline EAP, our Employee Assistance provider, offers confidential counseling and referral/resource services 24 hours a day at 800-445-1195.

PUBLIC SAFETY GUIDANCE
If at any time you feel unsafe or observe suspicious activity, call Public Safety at 401-454-6666. Locations: 30 Waterman Street, South Hall & 15 West, Ground Floor Entrance. Open 24 Hours a Day, 7-Days a Week.

STUDENT LIFE (PRIVATE)
Drop-In or By Appointment. Location: Carr House, 3rd Floor. Call: 401-454-6600.

STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES (CONFIDENTIAL)
Location: 72 Pine Street, 2nd Floor. To make an appointment call 401-454-6625.

BROWN UNIVERSITY’S OFFICE OF CHAPLAINS AND RELIGIOUS LIFE (OCRL) (CONFIDENTIAL)
chaplains.brown.edu / call: 401-863-2344

CRISIS HOTLINES

SAMHSA Helpline: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s (SAMHSA) disaster distress helpline is available 24/7 and is a free and confidential counseling line for immediate mental health support following critical incidents. Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

988: Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to free, quality, one-on-one assistance 24/7. 988 includes resources for call, text, chat and options for the hard-of-hearing community.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Young Adult HelpLine: Call 800-950-6264, or text “Friend” to 62640. Open 10 am – 10 pm.

National crisis support lines that do not use geolocation or call law enforcement: