Helping Distressed Students Michael B. Brown, Associate Dean Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Travis Lewis, Director of Student Safety & Services Dean of Students Office

Students in Distress Students face increasing stressors during college. Faculty & staff are in a good position to identify students who have problems. There are resources available once you identify a student in need.

Distressed Behavior Behavior resulting from psychological problems, stress, or crises that interfere with their ability to learn.

Distressed Behavior Repeated requests for special consideration, extensions, etc. Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses Withdrawal from activities or friends

Distressed Behavior Significant change in sleep or eating patterns Declining academic performance Excessive absences, especially if attendance was previously consistent Perfectionism, procrastination, or excessive worrying

Distressed Behaviors Markedly changed patterns of interaction (avoiding participation or dominating discussion) Erratic behavior Indications of alcohol or drug use interfering with academic or social performance Sleeping in class

Serious Distressed Behaviors Depressed mood Marked changes in personal hygiene Falling asleep in class Excessively active and talkative Difficulty communicating Slurred, disjointed, or incoherent speech Loss of contact with reality

Serious Distressed Behaviors Seeing/hearing things that do not exist Persistent peculiar thoughts Suicidal thoughts, jokes or intentions Indirect threats to self or others Expressing hopelessness or helplessness

Helping Distressed Students Listen Give basic advice Make referrals to campus resources Contact the Dean of Students Office via ECU Cares

Helping Distressed Students Most distressed students welcome help Talk to the student in private Express your concern in nonjudgmental terms “I've noticed you’ve been absent from class lately and I’m concerned”

Helping Distressed Students Listen in a sensitive, non-threatening way Avoid early reassurance or attempt to provide a solution Communicate understanding to student by repeating back the gist of what the student has said.

Helping Distressed Students Avoid judging, evaluating, or criticizing. Respect the student’s value system, even if you disagree with it. Provide information about resources Ask for some agreement to refer to another campus resource

When to Make a Referral The student is in crisis The behavior is beyond your skill level The behavior persists The behavior is getting worse You are unsure of how to proceed You want to talk with someone about your observations or concerns

How to Make a Referral Summarize your observations about the student’s behavior Express your concern about student’s distress Assure the student that seeking help does not mean they are “crazy” Make phone call from your office to help student make an appointment with resource

ECU Cares Reporting system to get assistance for persons with behaviors of concern Not a replacement for emergency responders!! Operated by Dean of Students Office Reports can be anonymous ECU Cares phone line: Online reporting form:

Resources for Assistance Counseling & Student Development Student Health Services Student Rights & Responsibilities Dean of Students Office ECU Cares ECU Police or (non-emergency) Academic resources (Pirate Tutoring, advisors, department chairs and associate deans)

University Behavioral Concerns Team ECU’s Threat Assessment Team Meets weekly throughout the year Composed of student affairs professionals, faculty, university administrators Receives reports of concerning behavior through: –team members directly; –Referrals from faculty/staff/students –the ECU Cares phone line (# ) and webpage (

UBCT Process The UBCT is convened to conducts an assessment of the student and his/her situation After the assessment the UBCT plans and coordinates interventions to ensure that students: –receive any necessary support services –help protect the campus community from the potential for targeted violence After the assessment and interventions, continued case management to monitor progress

CARE Team A subgroup of the UBCT Coordinates interventions for distressed students with complex problems who do not present a threat to the campus community Brings together multiple resources and case management coordination

Questions? Dr. Travis Lewis, Director for Student Safety & Services (252) Dr. Michael B. Brown, Associate Dean Harriot College of Arts and Sciences (252)