If you are hearing statements or hints about suicide from a student, keep in mind that professionals assess suicide potential, in part, by asking if the person has a plan for suicide. They ask exactly how will it happen and when they intend to carry out the plan. They also ask if the person has ever attempted suicide in the past. The more specific and lethal the plan, the more recent a previous attempt, and the greater the ability to carry out the plan, the higher the risk for an actual suicide. It is appropriate for any campus professional to ask these questions.
Many students think about suicide as a way to resolve overwhelming problems.
They may just need a chance to talk about the feelings and some hope that the problems can be solved. If an on-campus student seems to be at risk for self destructive behavior patterns you can also inform Housing and Residence Life so they can address the problem in the residence hall. Talk with the student in private if possible. Inform the student about the confidential, free counseling services at 201 Cohodas. I would suggest you see someone at the Counseling Center.