1. 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

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Helping Distressed Students Listen Give basic advice Make referrals to campus resources Contact the Dean of Students Office via ECU Cares 737-5555

10. 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”

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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: 737-5555 Online reporting form: www.ecu.edu/ecucares

16. Resources for Assistance Counseling & Student Development 328-6661 Student Health Services 328-6841 Student Rights & Responsibilities 328-6824 Dean of Students Office 329-9297 ECU Cares 737-5555 ECU Police 9-1-1 or 328-6787 (non-emergency) Academic resources (Pirate Tutoring, advisors, department chairs and associate deans)

17. 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 (#737-5555) and webpage (www.ecu.edu/ecucares).

18. 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

19. 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

20. Questions? Dr. Travis Lewis, Director for Student Safety & Services (252) 328-9297 lewistr@ecu.edu Dr. Michael B. Brown, Associate Dean Harriot College of Arts and Sciences (252) 328-4170 brownmi@ecu.edu