|
Students in Distress
A Guide for Faculty & Staff
College students typically encounter a great deal of stress during their university years (i.e., academic, social, family, work, financial). While most students cope successfully with the demands of college life, for some the pressures can become overwhelming or lead to life-threatening distress.
Faculty and staff members are in a unique position to recognize students in distress and refer them to appropriate campus resources. Your expression of interest and concern may be a critical factor in helping students get the support they need. The University Counseling Center is available to assist you with problem situations and to consult with you on how to intervene with a particular student.
Tips for Recognizing Distressed Students
The following list identifies symptoms that may suggest a student could benefit from assistance.
Marked Change in Academic Performance or Behavior
- Poor performance and preparation
- Excessive absences or tardiness
- Repeated requests for special consideration (especially when this represents a change from previous functioning)
- Unusual or changed pattern of interaction
- Avoidance of class participation
- Domination of class discussions
- Excessive anxietywhen called upon
- Disruptive behavior
- Problems with peers or family members
- Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation
Unusual Behavior or Appearance
- Depressed or lethargic mood
- Hyperactive or rapid speech
- Swollen or red eyes
- Change in personal hygiene or dress
- Dramatic weight loss or gain
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
Serious Level of Distress
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- References to suicide or violence
- Severe psychological pain
- Isolation from friends or family
Any of these may occur in students' verbal or written statements.
What Can You Do?
Talk to the student in private when both of you have the time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Give the student your undivided attention.
If you have initiated the contact, express your concern in behavioral, non-judgmental terms. For example, "I've noticed you've been absent from class lately and I'm concerned," rather than "Where have you been lately? You should be more concerned about your grades."
Give hope. Assure the student that things can get better. It is important to help the student realize there are options, and that things will not always seemhopeless. Suggest resources: friends, family, clergy, or professionals on campus. Recognize that your purpose is to enable the student to consult appropriate resources, not to solve the student's problem.
Avoid judging, evaluating, & criticizing even if the student asks your opinion. It is important to respect the student's value system, even if you disagree.
Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations. It is important to maintain the professional nature of the faculty/student or staff/student relationship and the consistency of academic expectations, exam schedules, etc. Course withdrawal can be arranged through the Academic Dean's Office; other form forms of personal assistance can be arranged through the University Counseling Center.
Refer. In making a referral, it is important to point out that: 1) help is available, and 2) seeking such help is a sign of strength and courage rather than a sign of weakness or failure. It may be helpful to point out that seeking professional help for other problems (medical, legal, car problems, etc.) is considered good judgment and an appropriate use of resources. If you can, prepare the student for what he or she might expect if your advice is taken. Tell the student what you know about the University Counseling Center.
Follow-Up. Arrange a follow-up meeting with the student to see if the referral appointment was kept and to hear about the experience. Continue to provide support while the student takes theappropriate actions.
Appointments at the UCC
Students are encouraged to make their own appointments. You can assist this process by offering the student immediate use of your phone. Students can also visit the University Counseling Center to schedule an appointment. The receptionist will arrange for the student to meet with a staff member as soon as possible. In urgent situations, we will assist the student immediately. The student should be encouraged to state if he or sheneeds to be seen that day. The first appointment is free; however, there is a fee for subsequent individual counseling. All services at the University Counseling Center are confidential by law.
Consultation is Available
If you have decided to help a student at risk, you may still have questions about how best to handle the situation. Staff members at the University Counseling Center are available to help you:
- Assess the situation, its severity, and the potential for referral;
- Learn about resources (both on and off campus) so you can suggest the most appropriate course of action when talking to the student;
- Find the best way to make the referral, if appropriate;
- Clarify your own feelings about the student and consider ways you can be most effective;
- Discuss follow-up concerns after the initial action or referral.
|
