Identifying and Responding to Students of Concern

Signs and Symptoms for Students of Concern

Erratic behavior, including infrequent class attendance or failure to follow through with responsibilities.
Increasing dependence on a faculty or staff member, parent, or other person (by demanding excessive amounts of time and attention).
Social isolation, withdrawal, lethargy.
Inability to focus on a specific topic in a conversation or activity.
Disorganized thinking and speech, feelings that are inappropriate to the situation, or other evidence that a student is “out of touch with reality”.
Expression of feelings of persecution, paranoia, or strong mistrust of others.
Disruptive, explosive or disrespectful behavior.
Signs of excessive alcohol or drug use.
Abrupt change in manner, style, or personal hygiene.
Overtly suicidal thoughts and/or statements expressed verbally or in writing.
Statements about harming someone else.
Expressed uncertainty and anxiety about emotional stability, family situation, and/or relationship problems.

Share your interest and concern openly and directly.
Set clear limits about your role with the student.
Maintain a student’s privacy, but do not promise confidentiality.
Help a student tell his or her story. Offer the opportunity to listen to what is on his or her mind.
Demonstrate an understanding of what the student discloses.
Statements made by the student regarding an intention or plan to harm self or others must be reported.
Inquire as to how the student is attempting to respond to the problem. Help develop response options together.
Consult with peers, colleagues, supervisors, deans, Counseling Center staff, Dean of Students Office or others if you need additional perspectives before or after talking to the student.
Suggest a referral to the Counseling Center, Student Health Center, Dean of Students Office, or other community resources.
Follow up as appropriate.