Student Distress
Significant distress disrupts a student’s ability to…
- Work (academic or employment)
- Engage in relationships
- Complete routine activities
Common signs of distress you may observe in your students
- Changes in school performance
- Lack of attendance or excessive lingering
- Disruptive or “strange” behavior
- Changes in speech—very fast or very low energy
- Confusing comments or stories
- Marked intolerance for differences or prejudice
- Inappropriate interactions (through email, by phone, or in person)
- Changes in overall energy level
- Mood changes
- Physical appearance/hygiene concerns
- Repeated or severe signs of substance misuse
- Severe sleep disturbance (falling asleep in class)
- Self-report of distress or crisis
- Expressed intent to harm self or others
If signs are recognized, it may be time to have a conversation with the student. Please remember:
- Asking questions demonstrates caring
- Trust your intuition, err in favor of asking
- Be prepared to hear a student’s story
- Save time for this
- Some privacy
When inquiry confirms your concerns, "help” may be in form of:
- Further discussions with you...
- If you feel comfortable in a helping role with this student.
- If you feel prepared, capable of helping with their problem.
- Referral to someone/office better trained and prepared to meet the student’s needs.
When to Refer
- The problem feels too much for you to deal with.
- You know the student in a non-professional way.
- You don’t feel you will be of help to them.
- The student seems hesitant to talk with you about it.
- The student asks for a referral.
Referrals
For urgent situations, including concerns about a missing student, call MUPD (513-529-2222).
- For student medical emergencies that occur during class, please review this protocol.
- Non-emergency concerns about students in distress should be submitted to the Dean of Students Office via the online Student Concern Management System.
*When in doubt, call MUPD (513-529-2222).
During the pandemic, students have experienced a learning disruption like never before. Your students' academic preparedness and readiness is likely to range more than past years. You can also expect a lower level of help-seeking behaviors.
You can be there for your students by recognizing signs of distress and connecting them to the appropriate resource.
Faculty Resources for Student Support - Oxford Campus