Concerned About A Student
Stress is often a part of life for college students, but stress left unmanaged can lead to distress which can disrupt learning, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Faculty, staff, and families are in positions to help!
Recognizing a student who may be struggling is the first step. We must then validate their distress, assist them in problem-solving solutions that may work for them and help them to understand the resources that are available to them. Many students may not know their sources of support or how to access them.
These 3 steps can be helpful: recognize, relate, refer. Not all students need professional intervention. A listening ear can be incredibly helpful!
Note: If your concern is about a student's immediate health and safety, call 911 or CMU PD 989-774-3081.
Recognize
Signs and symptoms that students may exhibit when in distress. This is not an exhaustive list, but some general examples. Students are individuals and will respond differently in situations.
Physical
- Changes in appearance or hygiene.
- Signs a student has been crying.
- Fatigue or sleeping in class.
- Changes in speech.
Emotional
- Hyperactive or depressed mood.
- Exaggerated emotional responses.
- Hopelessness or despair.
Cognitive
- Self-blame
- Racing thoughts
- Inability to make decisions.
- Confusion
Relational
- Withdrawing or isolation.
- Defensiveness
- Argumentative
Behavioral
- Tardiness or absenteeism.
- Changes in performance.
- Misuse of substances.
- Repeated requests for special consideration.
- Disruptive classroom behavior.
Spiritual
- Loss of meaning or purpose in life.
Relate - responding using the 3 P's
Presence: responding with empathy
- Express concern and a desire to help.
- Use neutral facial expressions and an open body posture.
- Validate feelings and experiences - "that must have been hard for you".
- Use "I" statements - "I see how frustrated you are".
Paraphrasing: the art of listening
- Focus on the student, not your response.
- Pay attention to their story (how it is told, language, feelings, and body language).
- Repeat back your understanding of what you heard.
- Ask if you understood them correctly.
- Clarification and feedback (share observable behaviors).
Problem-solving
- What does the student need?
- Brainstorm solutions.
- How can you assist this student in your role?
- Offer choices whenever possible.
- Maintain professional boundaries while also showing compassion.
- If concerns of safety have been identifies, ask directly about thoughts of suicide.
- Recommend campus resources that can help with their concerns.
- Check back later to see if their concerns have been resolved or address.
Refer to campus resources
Tell students about the resources available to them and assist them in getting connected. Students in distress often have difficulty remembering or following through.
Call the office together, schedule an online appointment, or walk the student to the office that would best serve them.
Counseling Center staff are available for consultation by calling 989-774-3381.
Submit a Care Referral
When you find that your expression of empathic concern is not enough and that the student needs assistance linking to professional and campus resources, let the student know you will submit a Care Referral. Students are made aware of the Care process during orientation. You can also submit a Care Referral anonymously.
CMU Cares initiative identifies and reaches out to students regarding a variety of needs and concerns to support their health, wellbeing, and success. Through Care Referrals, the multidisciplinary Care Team, comprised of members of various CMU offices, can connect students with the appropriate levels of support.
Submitting a Care Referral can be the first step in helping someone get connected. If you would like to learn more about CMU Cares and Care Referrals, click on CMU Cares. Already familiar with CMU Cares? Click the link below to submit a Care Referral.