Four Tips for When You're Concerned About a Student
- Safety first. If you feel that you or the student are in danger, call 911.
- Talk with the student privately in a kind, honest and direct way. Provide specific examples of their behaviors of concern using clear, concrete language.
- Share all available resources, and encourage them to seek help. The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides students on-call services on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., on the second floor of PUSH. When classes are not in session, CAPS stays open, but closes from noon to 1 p.m. each weekday. Faculty and staff can call 765-494-6995 with concerns about a student’s mental health.
- Know your limits. Refer to a professional when: Distress is hindering the student’s progress.
- You see a worrisome behavior pattern when you interact with the student.
- The problem seems more serious than you are comfortable handling.
- You are worried about the student’s safety.
- You are concerned about the student’s impact on others.
- You feel pressure to solve the student’s problem and/or feel responsible for the student.
- You’re over-extending yourself to help the student.
- You feel anxious when the student approaches you.