A Year after Virginia Tech, Sharper Focus on Troubled Students

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April 16. The date of Virginia Tech's tragedy resonates for campus leaders the way Sept. 11 does for the nation.

The fatal shootings of 33 students and faculty there a year ago have put colleges and universities on high alert for potentially troubled students. On many campuses, that means more support is available. But the incident has also caused a reaction in some places that mental-health professionals view with concern. When students with serious mental issues are unfairly barred from campus, they say, it doesn't improve campus safety and could drive the problems underground.

"We are seeing the campuses really trying to understand who needs help ... so they …