Generally, the behavior of the distressed student causes us concern for the personal well-being of that student, rather than creating a worry for their impact on ourselves or on the classroom. Signs of a student in distress may include the following:

• Excessive procrastination and very poorly prepared work, especially if inconsistent with previous work
• Infrequent class attendance with little or no work completed
• Dependency (e.g., the student who hangs around or makes excessive appointments during office hours)
• Listlessness, lack of energy, or frequently falling asleep in class
• Marked changes in personal hygiene
• Students who appear overly nervous, tense or tearful
• Repeated requests for special consideration (e.g., deadline extensions)
• Report of sexual or physical assault, or the recent death of a friend or family member

Tips for dealing with the distressed student

• Speak with the student privately and confidentially.  Document all conversations.
• Let the student know that you are aware that they may be feeling down, and that you would like to help.
• Encourage the student to seek help through Counseling Services.  You may want to offer to let the student call for an appointment from your office, or you may want to walk with the student to the Counseling Services office (KUC 329)
• Report to Counseling Services any instance in which a student confides in you that s/he is considering suicide.  Also call Counseling Services for consultation and assistance if the student shares other information that is of concern to you.