Information for Faculty and Staff

There are many potential signs of student distress that may indicate a student is having difficulty. Social withdrawal, declining academic performance, significant difficulty concentrating, changes in hygiene, disjointed thoughts, jumbled speech, chronic irritability, frequent tearfulness, lack of participation, irrationality, and threatening statements (e.g., I don't care anymore, I just feel like I can’t go on and don't want to) all are signs that may indicate that the student is in significant distress.

We recommend that you set up a time to meet individually with the student. Avoid discussing your concerns in front of the student’s classmates, as this can lead to feelings of humiliation and increased defensiveness in the student.

In that meeting, be specific when stating your concerns, listen carefully, exude a caring style, and avoid any statements that may sound judgmental or dismissive. You may find that your contact alone is all the student needs to address the concerns you have. However, if you feel your contact with the student had limited effect and/or you sense the student needs more help, do not hesitate to contact Counseling staff. If you suspect a student may be suicidal, it is imperative to ask gently but directly whether the student is thinking of killing or harming themselves. If the student reports plans for suicide or self-harm, immediate contact Mental Health Counseling and/or Campus Police if warranted.

If you believe that a student is out of control or potentially dangerous, please do not approach. Instead, immediately contact Counseling and/or Campus Police. 

If referring a student to Counseling is awkward for you, it may help to consult with Counseling staff about the matter. Approaching the student from a collaborative/problem-solving perspective (e.g., “I've noticed that you’re having some difficulty and I am wondering what you might think about meeting one of the College clinical counselors”), rather than bluntly telling the student to get help, will likely reduce your own discomfort, as well as the student’s.

Often students are afraid to get help. We recommend that you ask about such fears if you decide to make a referral. Simply acknowledging and normalizing the student’s fears may alleviate them. Students may feel that their need for assistance is an indication of personal failure. In this case, remind your student that facing one’s problems is a sign of strength, rather than weakness, and that even the most successful students and physicians have needed help at times.

Students sometimes have concerns about the confidentiality of services. It is imperative to inform students that services offered through Counseling are confidential and that no one on or off-campus will be informed of their participation in the service. Records of their visits and services accessed are never part of their academic record.

Cost is often another concern. If this is the case, remind the student that services through the Counseling are free.

Sometimes students think they must be in crisis or have very serious problems in order to seek help. Remind students that services are available to all students for all types of problems.

Some students could benefit from help but resist making an appointment. It is important for you to remember that you can care about the well-being of your students, but cannot force them get help. If you encounter an actively suicidal student who is resistant to seeking help, you should immediately contact Campus Police by dialing 911 or 607.844.6511. In cases where a student is acting in a very unusual, worrisome, or disruptive, you may wish to contact Campus Police, Clinical Counselors, and/or the CARE Team.

Faculty and staff may consult with the Clinical Counselors about their concerns about students. However, information about students who receive care in Counseling cannot be released to faculty or staff unless the student provides written permission to release information.

Thank you for helping us to better serve our students.