FACULTY & STAFF GUIDE TO STUDENTS IN DISTRESS

NOTICING SIGNS OF DISTRESS

Signs of distress may be physical, emotional, or behavioral, and usually affect relationships and classroom performance

Physical

Poor personal hygiene
Lacerations or bruises on the face and body
Swollen or red eyes
Marked weight gain or loss

Behavioral & Emotional

Excessive anxiety, worry or extreme perfectionism
Extreme fatigue or changes in energy level
Unwarranted anger, hostility or outbursts
Unsolicited, unusual remarks
Frequent crying or tearfulness (not related to any specific situation or event)
Candid statements indicating family problems, personal losses such as the death of a family member or break-up of a significant relationship
Excessive hyperactivity or unusually elevated mood (possibly paired with rapid speech that is difficult to interrupt or redirect)

Classroom behavior

Withdrawal or changes in participation level
Inappropriate laughter
Unusual or changed pattern of interaction with others
Disruptive behavior
Significant changes in concentration or motivation
Unusually demanding of time or excessively dependent i.e.: requests many conferences without significant content, hangs around after class with no identified purpose)
Disturbing or upsetting content in class projects, writing assignments or classroom discussion (may include excessive themes of death or violence, not representative of artistic expression alone)

CONSULTATION & MAKING A REFERRAL

Consultation: If you have questions, concerns or would like to discuss a particular situation, do not hesitate to call Psychological Counseling Services on campus at 771-2247 or stop by Eickhoff Hall 107.

Any information discussed will remain confidential, provided there is not an imminent threat to the safety of any individual. If you have any questions about the limits of confidentiality, please contact Psychological Counseling Services or refer to Psychological Counseling Services FAQ.

IF YOU DO NOT FEEL SAFE APPROACHING A STUDENT ALONE, FOR ANY REASON, ASK FOR HELP!

Steps to Take when Making a Referral

Make sure the student is in agreement with the referral and have the student with you when calling or stopping by.
Ask the student if he/she would like to call for him/her self and encourage them to call in your presence. However, if a student would like to contact the office on his or her own, respect that decision.
Follow up with the student to find out if they were successful in making the appropriate contact.

If you are dealing with students in distress:

Be aware of the location of the nearest telephone, whether it is within the building, or a personal cell phone.
If the student is a threat to others, contact 911 immediately.
If the student is causing classroom disruption, but is not a threat to others, discuss with the student individually. You may always ask the disruptive student to leave the classroom.

Printable Flyer: Faculty & Staff Guide to Students in Distress

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Imminent danger or emergency – 911
Campus Police Department – 609.771.2167
(from a cell phone)
Psychological Counseling Services –x2247
Community Standards - x2201
Health Services – x2483
Differing Abilities Services – x2571
Office of Anti-Violence Initiatives - x2272
Alcohol and Drug Education Program – x2571
Educational Opportunity Fund – x2280
Residential Education & Housing – x3455

GUIDELINES ON HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE DISTRESSED STUDENT

Stay calm
Request to see the student in private
If you do not feel safe during a class meeting, contact the Campus Police at 911.
Be empathic. Acknowledge the student’s feelings.
Listen and convey understanding.
Do not be afraid to ask whether a student is suicidal if you think he/she might be.
Don’t be sworn to secrecy
Respect cultural differences
Consider keeping your office door open or inviting another faculty or staff member to join you.
Let the student know you are aware he/she is having difficulty and you would like to help.
Make a referral to the necessary service with the student present if the student agrees.
Do not be afraid to contact a student outside of class if there is a drastic drop or change in academic performance, or if the student fails to attend class. Express your concern for them rather than your disappointment or intent to punish.