Student Support Guide

Supporting Struggling Students

Learn how to identify signs of struggle, respond with care, and connect students to appropriate resources:

• Recognize
• Respond
• Refer

Faculty and staff are essential partners in creating a caring campus environment. Use this guide to learn how to recognize when a student may be struggling, respond appropriately, and refer them to available support services.

Tips

Preparing to reach out to a student or submit a report

Make notes about the concerns you are having so that you can be specific when you share them. Know the available resources and the referral processes. If safe, meet privately and always allow sufficient time to meet. If you decide not to have direct contact with the student, make a timely report so that someone else can follow up with the student. Ensure that you are making reports that align with your role and its responsibilities.

Connecting with the student

Clearly express your concerns by focusing on the behavior(s) you’ve observed in nonjudgmental terms. State the exact things you notice (missing class, late for work shifts, change in participation, concerns from others) and avoid diagnostic language (you seem depressed). Allow the student to talk as you engage in active listening. Respect the student’s privacy without making false promises of confidentiality. If relevant, ask directly if the student wants to hurt themselves or others. If they answer yes, call Campus Security immediately to request a wellness check. They will come to you on campus or help locate the student and stay with the student until a plan for their safety is determined.

Making an effective referral

Recommend services and provide direct referrals; assist the student in contacting those resources. Frame any decision to seek and accept help as a wise choice. Be frank with the student about your limits (time, expertise). Encourage and assist the student to make and keep any follow-up appointments, including a follow-up appointment with you. Some resources may be limited in what details of their work with the student they can share with you. However, they can still accept additional information from you at any time.