Identifying and Referring the Distressed Student

Tevya Zukor, Ph.D., CGPDirector & Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Counseling & Psychological Services Center (CAPS)

106 Lee Hall(540) 654-1053

Academic DifficultiesPoor academic performance or declining

performanceExcessive absences or tardinessChronic indecisiveness or procrastinationRepeated requests for special considerationsIncreased worry about grades despite

adequate performanceIncreased dependence or neediness by the

studentChange in Academic Status

Academic Probation or Dismissal

Characteristics of Distressed Students

Unusual BehaviorsChanges to classroom behavior

Lack of concentration, Lack of energy, Appearing sad, Lack of care of self including appearance and hygiene

Changes in emotionalityIncreased irritability, sadness, or disruptiveness in

classChanges in ability to be clear in speech, organizing

thoughts, or having bizarre content to thoughtsAggressive or threatening behavior

Overt speech or behavior Covert signs - Clenched jaws, fists, glaring at others

Smell of alcohol or evidence of substance abuse

Characteristics of Distressed Students

Traumatic Changes in Students LivesLoss or impending loss of a significant person

through illness or deathDifficulties in personal relationships

Separation, Divorce, Change in custody of childrenLoss of job or changes in financial

circumstancesChange in personal circumstances

Loneliness, Coming out, Personal illness

Positive events may also be stressfulMarriage, Pregnancy, New job

Characteristics of Distressed Students

References to Suicide or HomicideReferences to Suicide or HomicideIndicators of prolonged suffering or

unhappinessCovert references to suicide

“My family would be better off without me.”Overt statements or references to suicideWritten or stated references to hurting oneself

or othersAcquiring means to kill oneself and/or others

Buying a gun

Characteristics of Distressed Students

Each employee has a wealth of knowledge about students based on experience and intuitionTrust your observations of overt behavior as well as

your reaction to the individualTalk to the student directly

Early connection and intervention can only helpClarify your role as a concerned faculty/staffListen carefully to what the student is saying or

may not be sayingDenying problems while clearly upset

Don’t be afraid to ask direct questionsAsking about suicide does NOT increase risk

Working with Distressed Students

Student discloses a situation that is beyond your expertise or comfort levelAdmits to being suicidal

Student wants a response from you that exceeds your background, training, or availability

Student is reluctant to respond to you because of various concernsNot wanting to cross boundariesGender issues General discomfort

Making a Referral - When

Meet at a time and place where there is privacyEnd of class can be a difficult time

Avoid being isolated or alone with a studentConsider leaving the door ajar

Talk directly to the student about your concernsBe supportive

Avoid criticizing or being judgmentalPrepare to recommend a specific course of action

Referral to counselor, clergy, advocacy groupStudent can sign a release allowing follow-up

conversation with a treatment professional

Making a Referral - How

Know how to reach campus security or police

Have a clear emergency protocol in placeKnow where to report critical information

Dean of Student Life – Cedric RuckerDevelop “safety” word to be used if needed

“Please call Dr. Armstrong for me.”Develop list of resources to be used in an

emergencyHealth, Psychological, Natural disaster

Emergency Situations

Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in ANY education activity that receives federal fundingTitle IX is not just about athletics!

Discrimination includes sexual harassment, rape, and sexual assaultCourts have found that even one instance of sexual assault or

rape meets this standardFaculty and Staff MUST report all allegations to Title IX

CoordinatorDo NOT promise confidentialityCan discuss need to protect other members of community

UMW Title IX Coordinator – Leah Cox (lcox@umw.edu)Required for all public universities

UMW Sexual Misconduct Policy http://www.umw.edu/judicialaffairs/sexual_misconduct/default.php

Title IX

Questions?