Faculty/Staff Workshop: Managing Students in Distress

Guidelines for Intervention

Openly acknowledging to students that you are aware of their distress, sincerely concerned about their welfare, and willing to help them explore their alternatives can have a profound effect. We encourage you, whenever possible, to speak directly and honestly to a student when you sense that he/she is in academic and/or personal distress.

1. REQUEST TO SEE THE STUDENT IN PRIVATE. This may help minimize embarrassment and defensiveness.
2. BRIEFLY acknowledge your observations and perceptions of his/her situation. Express your concerns directly and honestly.
3. LISTEN carefully and try to see the issues from the student's point of view without necessarily agreeing or disagreeing.
4. ATTEMPT to identify the problem. You can help by exploring alternatives to deal with the concern.
5. INAPPROPRIATE and strange behavior should not be ignored. Comment on what you have observed, but not in a judgmental way.
6. FLEXIBILITY with strict procedures may allow an alienated student to respond more effectively to your concerns.
7. INVOLVE yourself only as far as you want to go. At times, in an attempt to reach or help a troubled student, you may become more involved than time or skill permits.
8. CONSULT with Counseling and Career Development Center staff whenever in question. We are on-call, 24-hours/day. After hours and on weekends, you can reach us through Public Safety at 478-5234.

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