As a faculty or staff member, it is important to understand what you can do to help a student in distress.
Download our Red Folder – a quick reference guide for helping distressed students.
RECOGNIZE
Indicators of Distressed Students: Look for groupings, frequency, and severity of behaviors, not just isolated symptoms. Common indicators are listed below. Students may present with indicators not listed.
Academic
- Sudden decline in quality of work and grades
- Frequently missed classes and assignments
- Disturbing content in writing or presentations
- Classroom disruptions
- Consistently seeking personal rather than professional advice
- Multiple requests for extensions/special considerations (a change from prior functioning)
- Doesn't respond to repeated request for contact/meetings
Physical
- Marked changes in physical appearance (e.g., poor grooming/hygiene or sudden weight loss/gain)
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
- Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuana
- Rapid speech or manic behavior
- Depressed or lethargic mood of functioning
- Observable signs of injury (e.g., facial bruising or cuts)
Psychological
- Self-disclosure of personal distress (e.g., family problems, financial difficulties, assault, discrimination, legal difficulties)
- Unusual/disproportionate emotional response to events
- Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions
- Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering, intimidation)
- Expressions of concern about the student by peers
Safety Risk
- Verbal, written or implied references to suicide, homicide, assault or self-injurious behaviors
- Unprovoked anger or hostility/physical violence (e.g., shoving, grabbing. assaulting, use of a weapon)
- Academic assignments dominated by extreme hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, violence, self-injury
- Stalking or harassing
- Communicating threats/disturbing comments via email, correspondence, texting or phone call
RESPOND
Use these tips to determine the most appropriate response for a distressed student.
In addition to referring a student to resources, any sexual or gender-based harassment or assault requires mandated reporting. For questions regarding mandated reporting, please contact the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response at 814-867-0099
Stay Safe
Call Penn State Police or 911 if there is an imminent danger to a student, you, or anyone else.
Stay Calm
Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Use a calm voice when talking and asking questions.
Take Your Time
If this is not an imminently dangerous situation, take time to think through what might be the most helpful next step.
Seek Consultation
You are not alone. Ask those around for help. Consult with a colleague, call another office on campus (see resources).
Use Active Listening
Make eye contact, give your full attention. Restate what the student says to make sure you understand what is causing the distress and/or what they are asking for help with.
Ask Direct Questions
Don't be afraid to directly ask the student if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others (by asking, you are not instilling the thought).
Give Concrete Help
Help get them to the next step (e.g, contact the academic advisor with the student to make an appointment; help them call counseling services to schedule an appointment).
REFER
Follow the decision tree to determine who to contact when you are concerned about a student who is distressed and/or disruptive. Emergency and campus resources are listed.
Decision Tree
Is the student a danger to themselves/others OR does the student need some other assistance?
Yes
- The student conduct is clearly dangerous or threatening, including self-harm or harm to others.
- Call 911 or Penn State Schuylkill Police 570-385-6114
No
- I am not concerned about anyone's immediate safety, but the student is having significant academic and/or personal issues and could use some support.
- Refer the student to campus resources, as appropriate.
I'm Not Sure
- The student is with me currently and shows signs of distress, but it is not clear how serious it is. I feel uneasy and/or really concerned about the student.
- Call Penn State Crisis line 1-877-229-6400. Then, refer the student to appropriate campus resource
- The student is not with me currently, but I am concerned about what they said (in an email/call) OR what they did (acted bizarrely, were aggressive/disruptive) OR how they look (unkempt, unwashed, or as if drugged/drunk)
- Call Student Care and Concern, or report to Behavior Threat Management team
RESOURCES
Emergency Resources
University Police
- 570-3850-6114 or 911
Penn State Crisis Line
- 24/7 confidential service
- Licensed mental health counselors
- 1-877-229-6400
Sexual Assault Resource and Counseling Center
- Off-campus services for victims of sexual and relationship violence and stalking
- 570-628-2965
- 17 Westwood Centre, Pottsville, PA 17901
Urgent Resources
Behavioral Threat Management Team (BTMT)
- Report concerns about any person, including threatening or disruptive behavior
- Referrals to support services
- 814-863-2868 OR btmt.psu.edu
Student Care and Concern
- Helps students facing adverse event (e.g., housing/financial distress, MH/medical/family emergencies) & coordinates care across campus
- 210A Health & Wellness Building
- 570-385-6127 OR [email protected]
Student Conduct
- Report possible violations of the Code Of Conduct (excludes sexual misconduct - see OSMPR Office below)
- 500 Nittany V Apartments
- 570-385-6246 OR [email protected]
Counseling Services
- Crisis, consultation, and counseling services
- 210A Health & Wellness Building
- 570-385-6127 OR [email protected]
Additional Resources
Academic Advising
- advising.psu.edu/advising-centers
International Student Advising
- Support for international students
- Advice on visas and immigration issues
- 500 Nittany V
- 570-385-6246 OR [email protected]
Campus Health Services
- 210C Health & Wellness Building
- 570-385-6248
Diversity/Multicultural Resources
- Provides support, advocacy, and education for underrepresented populations
- 209C Health & Wellness Building
- 570-385-6114
Resident Life
- 24/7 support regarding on-campus living
- 500 Nittany V Apartments
- 570-385-6246
Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response (OSMPR)
- Report sexual or gender-based harassment or misconduct (sexual assault, exploitation, stalking, dating/domestic violence)
- Investigates concerns; provided resources, support, and accommodations
- 814-867-0099
- Campus Title IX resource people at titleix.psu.edu
Student Disability Resources
- Provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities
- 210A Health and Wellness
- 570-385-6127