芭乐视频官网

Supporting Students in Distress: A Guide for Faculty and Staff

When a student is struggling, your outreach can make a difference.

Every member of the Lebanon 芭乐视频官网 College community plays an important role in supporting student wellbeing. Faculty and staff are often the first to notice when a student is struggling. You don鈥檛 need to have all the answers. Simply recognizing concerns, responding with care, and connecting students to the right resources can make a meaningful difference.

This guide will help you:

  • Recognize signs of student distress
  • Respond in a supportive manner
  • Refer students to appropriate resources

Review the guide below or download the PDF version.

Download Printable Version (PDF)

Recognize

  • Declining attendance, participation, grades, and/or quality of work
  • Missed assignments or disengagement
  • Difficulty concentrating or repeated classroom disruptions
  • Disturbing content in coursework or repeated requests for extensions/special considerations
  • Significant changes in mood, personality, appearance and/or hygiene
  • Excessive anxiety, panic, hopelessness, or emotional outbursts
  • Statements or writings suggesting self-harm or harm to others
  • Concerning emails, texts, or social media posts
  • Housing, food, financial, transportation, and/or relationship challenges
  • Self-disclosure of personal distress (e.g., abuse, assault, discrimination, legal difficulties)
  • Expressions of concern about the student from peers

Respond

Express concern in a caring, nonjudgmental manner.

鈥淚鈥檝e noticed you don鈥檛 seem like yourself lately, and I wanted to check in.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 concerned about you and wanted to see how you鈥檙e doing.鈥�

Give the student your full attention. Allow them to share their experience without judgment. Avoid trying to diagnose or solve the problem.

If you are concerned about the student鈥檚 immediate safety, ask directly. Asking these questions does not increase the risk of self-harm.

鈥淎re you thinking about hurting yourself?鈥�

鈥淎re you thinking about hurting someone else?鈥�

You are not expected to manage difficult situations alone. When in doubt, consult with the Dean of Students Office, Counseling Services, or Campus Safety.

If there is an immediate safety concern, do not leave the student alone. Contact Campus Safety (717-867-6111) or call 911 immediately.

Refer

When in doubt, reach out.

You do not need to determine whether a student is 鈥渄istressed enough鈥� to receive support. Trust your instincts. A caring conversation and timely referral can make a meaningful impact on a student鈥檚 wellbeing and success.

Examples: academic stress, homesickness, relationship concerns, financial challenges, adjustment difficulties

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Submit a Starfish flag, connect the student with campus resources, and follow up.

Resources:

Examples: severe anxiety, depression, significant grief, emotional breakdown, repeated concerning behavior, major behavioral changes

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Submit a Starfish flag, consult with the Dean of Students Office or Counseling Services.

Resources:

Examples: suicidal thoughts or plans, threats of violence, serious intoxication or overdose, inability to care for oneself, medical emergency

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Stay with the student if safe. Contact Campus Safety (717-867-6111) or call 911 immediately.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or Text 988

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741