FOR FACULTY/STAFF

How you can help:

A faculty or staff member is often the first person to recognize when a student is in distress and to reach out to that student. Faculty and staff are not expected to provide personal counseling to students. Rather, faculty and staff play an important role in encouraging students to use campus resources, including facilitating a referral to the Counseling Center.

We encourage you to speak directly to a student when you sense that he/she is in academic and/or personal distress. Openly acknowledge that you are aware of their distress, that you are sincerely concerned about their welfare and that you are willing to help them explore their options.


The following are suggestions in providing support and encouragement for students:

• Request to see the student in private.
  
• Briefly acknowledge your observations and perceptions of their situation and express your concerns directly and honestly.
  
• Listen carefully to what the student is troubled about and try to see the issue from his/her point of view without agreeing or disagreeing.
  
• Strange and inappropriate behavior should not be ignored. The student can be informed that such behavior is distracting and inappropriate.
  
• Your receptivity to an alienated student will allow him/her to respond more effectively to your concerns.
  
• Help the student identify options for action and explore possible consequences.
  
• Be open about the limits on your ability to help them.
  
• If the student appears to be in imminent danger of hurting self or others, consult the Counseling Center or the police immediately. Do not promise to keep threats to self or others secret.