How to Help a Student

Students may exhibit varying levels of distress. Look for persistent changes over time:

Mild Concerns

• Significant drop in grades or excessive absences.
• Unusual or changed interaction patterns (e.g., withdrawal, excessive anxiety, dominating discussions, rapid speech, falling asleep).
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions.
• Persistent depressed mood, lethargy.
• Marked changes in personal appearance or hygiene, or other "odd" behaviors.

Moderate Concerns

• Repeated requests for special consideration, especially with emotional discomfort.
• New or recurring behavior pushing boundaries or interfering with class/work/living areas.
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses.
• Expressed hostility toward others.

Severe Concerns (Needs Immediate Attention)

• Highly disruptive, hostile, aggressive, or violent behavior.
• Inability to communicate clearly (disjointed thoughts, slurred speech).
• Loss of contact with reality (hallucinations, delusional beliefs).
• Disorientation to time, place, or people.
• Overtly suicidal or homicidal thoughts.

• For Severe Concerns: See the crisis support section at the top of this page.
• For Mild or Moderate Concerns: You can choose to address the issue directly or refer the student to a professional. If you choose to approach a student:
• Talk in private: Find a calm time and place for an uninterrupted conversation.
• Express concern non-judgmentally: "I've noticed you've been absent from class lately, and I'm concerned."
• Listen sensitively: Allow the student to share their thoughts and feelings without interruption.
• Explore solutions: Discuss what they've tried, why it hasn't worked, and consider other options.
• Avoid judging: Respect their perspective and avoid criticism unless specifically asked.

When a student asks for help with a problem and you are willing to help, there are often circumstances that may indicate that you should refer a student to a professional resource, as well. Some of these situations include:

• The problem or request is beyond your expertise
• Personality differences will interfere with your ability to help
• You know the student personally, and do not believe you could be objective enough to help
• The student acknowledges the problem, but is reluctant to talk to you about it
• After working with the student for some time, little progress has been made and you do not know how to proceed
• You are feeling overwhelmed, pressed for time, or are otherwise at a high level of personal stress
• There is immediate danger to the student or someone else (e.g., suicide, homicide, abuse, assault, harassment, etc.). In these situations, it is imperative that you refer to additional College offices.

Making a Referral

Be frank about your limits while respecting their willingness to confide in you. Suggest referrals directly and positively. Provide specific information about available campus or community resources (e.g., Counseling Center, Campus Safety, Dean of Students, clergy, family).

Encourage students to call and make an appointment immediately, ideally from your office phone, as students making their own appointments increases follow-through. Reassure them that seeking help is common and doesn't imply serious problems.

If a student is reluctant, you can still consult with the Counseling Center for guidance.

The Counseling Center staff is available to help you:

• Assess the seriousness of a situation.
• Learn about appropriate on- and off-campus resources.
• Process your own feelings and optimize your effectiveness.

Contact the Counseling Center at 507-933-7027 or visit 204 Johnson Student Union for a consultation appointment.

If you need support navigating a student crisis, use the contact information below:

During standard business hours:
 

• Counseling Center: 507-933-7027

• Dean of Students Office: 507-933-7526

   

After hours and weekends:

• Campus Safety: 507-933-8888 (can connect you directly with the Dean on Call)

For additional crisis and emergency resources, visit Counseling Services.