Respond

Tips for Responding with Compassion

Listen Sensitively and Carefully

Vulnerable students need you to listen and help. Ask directly how they are doing or if they have thoughts of harming themselves or others.

Trust Your Gut

If you are concerned about a student, talk to your department chair, supervisor, or the Office of the Dean of Students.

Connect with Campus Resources

We have other professionals and campus resources dedicated to helping you and students. You can start with the Student Care Network or the collection of resources located in your campus's guide to helping students in distress. Your firsthand knowledge and personal connection to this student is valuable in supporting them.

Take Care

Helping a distressed student can take a toll on you. Please think of your own wellbeing and seek support if needed.

Stay Safe

Safety is always our top priority. Call 911 if a student poses an immediate threat to self or others.

Share What You Know

State and federal laws and University policies mandate reporting in some situations. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows faculty and staff to report student health and safety concerns to relevant campus offices trained to handle situations with sensitivity and care.

Taking appropriate action does not violate a student’s privacy. In some instances, employees have an obligation to report behavior. Visit Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) for more information on reporting requirements.

Responding to a Student in Distress

  • "Not sure what, but something's wrong."
    • Express concern and care
    • Give an example of a time that the student’s behavior has worries you
    • Listen to and believe student’s responses
    • Be supportive and encouraging if student agrees to get help

  • Family or Personal Tragedy Loss or Crisis

    Examples: Illness or death of family member, job loss, breakup, legal difficulties, etc.

    • Express concern and care
    • Avoid criticizing, sounding judgmental, minimizing or blaming
    • Listen to and believe student’s responses
    • Be supportive and encouraging if student agrees to get help

  • Medical and Mental Health Concerns

    Examples: sudden or long-term illness, depression, or anxiety.

    • Express concern and care
    • Avoid criticizing, sounding judgmental, minimizing or blaming
    • Listen to and believe student’s responses

  • Self-Harm, Suicide, Safety Risk
    • Express concern and care
    • Avoid criticizing, sounding judgmental, minimizing or blaming
    • Always take suicidal statements, thoughts or behaviors very seriously
    • If you suspect a student may be thinking about suicide, seek immediate consultation
    • If possible, ask directly about their thoughts and plans
    • Call 911 if there is a direct threat to student’s safety or the safety of others (consult with the AWARE Network if you are unsure)

  • Alcohol or Other Drug Use
    • Express concern and care
    • Give an example of a time that the student’s behavior has worried you
    • Listen to and believe the student’s responses
    • Be supportive and encouraging if the student agrees to get help

  • Misconduct, Inappropriate Behavior, and Classroom Disruption
    • Express concern and care
    • Explain the impact of student’s behavior on the group or class
    • Clarify or outline your expectations
    • Contact police if student does not respond to your intervention and continues serious disorderly conduct and threatening behaviors

  • Crime, Victimization, Hazing
    • Express concern and care
    • Listen to and believe the student’s responses
    • Do not interpret student’s emotions as evidence of crime
    • Avoid criticizing, sounding judgmental, minimizing or blaming. Say things like, “I’m sorry that happened, but I’m glad you’re safe now.” and “Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.”

  • Violence, harassment, Interpersonal/Sexual Assualt
    • Express concern and care
    • Listen to and believe student’s responses
    • Do not interpret student’s emotions as evidence of assault or violence
    • Avoid criticizing, sounding judgmental, minimizing or blaming
    • Recommend (or, if necessary, insist upon) medical intervention
    • Provide information on resources and reporting options
    • Say things like, “You’ve been through something very frightening. I’m so sorry.”

  • Bullying, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Cyberstalking
    • Express concern and care
    • Listen to and believe student’s responses
    • Avoid criticizing, sounding judgmental, minimizing or blaming
    • Encourage targeted student to save all digital communications as downloaded files and/or hard copies
    • Provide information on resources and reporting options