Over the last month, Simmons University Public Safety has responded to Morse Hall to conduct wellness checks seven times, as late as 11:31 p.m., according to alerts from the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline.
The dates and times of wellness checks was given to the Voice on April 2 at 7:45 a.m. The Voice was unable to receive an updated number as of publication.
According to Public Safety, wellness checks first began occurring on Fri. March 13, at 9 p.m. As Public Safety went door-to-door, students took to social media, specifically Yik Yak, each time responders appeared for a wellness check.
“Gtfo ur actually annoying stop calling,” one anonymous poster published on March 21, when Public Safety responded twice – once at 3:58 p.m. and also at 8:28 p.m.
On April 1, another student posted, “i think it would be much more beneficial to the student struggling if clinicians knocked on the doors of morse, not cops.”
Public Safety sent email communication to students on campus and hung fliers throughout dorm halls with the same email, regarding these wellness checks.
“The Simmons Police Department has received several alerts from the Suicide Hotline reporting that they have received anonymous calls and texts from someone in crisis. The information from the suicide Hotline was that the calls were originating on the Simmons University residence campus,” the correspondence said.
“When these reports are received our department works closely with res life to locate and assist the person who made the call and it is necessary for our officers to respond immediately for the safety and protection of our community,” it continued, “I realize that this may cause an inconvenience at times but I am sure you understand the importance for us to act quickly.”
Public Safety did not provide the Voice a further statement or interview due to the ongoing investigation.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, “The 988 Lifeline coordinated response is intended to promote stabilization and care in the least restrictive manner. Most crises are managed by counselors working with you to de-escalate the situation and without involving law enforcement.”
Furthermore, SAMHSA states that a “small percentage” of callers requires the dispatch of 911 responders. If 911 is activated, it “occurs when there is an imminent risk to someone’s life that cannot be reduced during the 988 Lifeline call.”
Examples of this include if there is a suicide attempt in progress, or if they have a plan of self-harm or suicide that they have the intent and means to carry out.
The anonymous student social media posts on Yik Yak could be regarded as cyberbullying, as students continue to publish posts such as “Hot take but if ur in morse making 988 and hotline calls and when res comes to help u, u dont tell them its u and ur jusy like ‘oh yeah everythings all good’ then f*** off cause you obviously don’t want help and it just inconveniences everyone else.”
Another anonymous post more recently on April 3 said “it’s 1:30am. if your depressed do it elsewhere bc it’s not my problem.”
Cyberbullying is using technology to harass, threaten, embarrass, or target an individual, often done anonymously. Since the rise of social media, more research has linked cyberbullying to suicide, even gaining the term “cyberbullicide.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12.8 million adults have seriously thought about suicide, and 3.7 million have made a suicide plan. Bullying can also worsen feelings of depression and anxiety, which can contribute to suicidal behaviors and thoughts.
The Voice was given a statement, rather than an interview, from Rae-Anne Butera, Vice President for Student Engagement & Dean of Students, stating, “The health and well-being of our students is a top priority for Simmons. When we receive information that a student may need support, our team works quickly and thoughtfully along with other campus partners to identify and connect with that student. We recognize that these efforts can affect the broader residential community, and we strive to minimize disruption while ensuring that students receive the support they need. We appreciate the understanding of our community as we prioritize student well-being.”
After being further asked about negative student commentary on social media, Butera added, “While freedom of expression is a vital part of the academic experience, it is not limitless. The targeting and harassing of individual students are clear violations of the Simmons Code of Conduct. Posting anonymously does not absolve the poster or promoters of responsibility for their actions. Individuals found to be in violation of the Code of Conduct could face sanctions, including a written warning, probation, suspension, or even expulsion.”
Along with this, an email from Butera went out to Morse Hall residents on April 4 at 3:52 p.m. to “check in with [them]” regarding the wellness checks.
“We recognize the ongoing disruption of the wellbeing checks, particularly on sleep and peace of mind. We appreciate your understanding as we work to find a resolution that provides assistance to the student requesting help and minimizes disruption to the rest of the Morse community,” Butera said in the email. She also clarified that “[988] only involves local emergency services if they believe someone is in immediate danger.
There was no mention regarding social media commentary in the correspondence with Butera.
Please note the following student and faculty resources:
Simmons Counseling Center: please visit their website here
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or visiting their website to talk to an online counselor.
Fill out a CARE Team Referral Form to alert University staff if you are concerned for a student’s well-being – this form is not for emergencies.
CORRECTION: April 15, 2026
A previous version of this article had an AP Style error. All other content of the article remains the same.
