Concerned about your student? Here’s how to help
Students may face various challenges during their academic journey, including mental health issues, hospitalization, family emergencies or financial concerns. Each of these challenges can be unexpected and may negatively impact their academic success.Ìý
If you notice that your student is acting differently when they come home for break or has been struggling lately, know that you can play a part in getting them support. Here’s how.Ìý
Learn to recognize signs of distressÌý
If you think your student needs help, start by checking if they are showing signs of distress. These can be academic, physical, psychological or safety risk concerns. Some common signs to be aware of are below.ÌýÌý
Academic
- Sudden decline in quality of work and gradesÌý
- Disturbing content in writing or presentationsÌý
- Classroom disruptionsÌý
- Consistently seeking personal rather than professional adviceÌý
- Multiple requests for extensions or special considerations (a change from prior functioning)Ìý
- Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, violence or self-harm
Physical
- Marked changes in physical appearance like poor grooming or hygiene or sudden changes in weightÌý
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with realityÌý
- Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuanaÌý
- Rapid speech or manic behaviorÌý
- Depressed or lethargic mood or functioningÌýÌý
- Observable signs of injury like facial bruising or cuts
Psychological
- Self-disclosure of personal distress like family problems, financial difficulties, assault, discrimination or legal difficultiesÌý
- Unusual or disproportionate emotional response to eventsÌý
- Excessive tearfulness, panic reactionsÌý
- Verbal abuse like taunting, badgering or intimidationÌý
- Expression of concern about the student by peers
Safety Risk
- Verbal, written or implied references to suicide, homicide, assault or self-harm behaviorÌý
- Unprovoked anger or hostilityÌý
- Physical violence like shoving, grabbing, assaulting or use of a weaponÌý
- Stalking or harassingÌýÌý
- Communicating threats or disturbing comments in person or via email, text or phone call
Initiate a compassionate conversationÌý
When noticing changes in your student or sensing they may be struggling, it's normal to feel anxious about addressing your concerns with them. You may be the first to spot those changes. It’s important to take the time to talk with your student, which may increase the chances of them getting help.Ìý
Initiate the dialogue privately to let them know you’re worried and genuinely care about how they’re doing. Take your time to listen to what they have to say. Student Conduct & Conflict Resolution provides additional resources for healthy dialogue.ÌýVisit their webpageÌýfor more tips and support.Ìý
Refer them to Student Support & Case ManagementÌýÌý
If your student needs additional support, showing clear signs of distress or you are feeling uneasy after an interaction with them, refer them toÌýStudent Support & Case ManagementÌý(³§³§°ä²Ñ).ÌýÌý
Anyone can refer a student to SSCM. There are three ways to do so:Ìý
- Fill out theÌý.Ìý
- Call SSCM at 303-492-7348.Ìý
- Email the department atÌýsscm@colorado.edu.Ìý
SSCM is available to provide individualized support to students. SSCM case managers connect students with campus partners, community resources and support systems, while also building a trusting relationship and coaching them toward self-advocacy.Ìý
SSCM can even help students with financial challenges after unexpected situations such as recovering from physical or mental health emergencies or traveling to support their loved ones in need.ÌýÌý
If you are unsure whether to refer your student, you can contact SSCM for guidance. Some of the more common reasons to refer a student to SSCM include, but are not limited to:Ìý
- Concern for a student’s mental healthÌý
- Hospitalization (physical or mental health)Ìý
- Suicidal ideationÌý
- Harm to self or othersÌý
- Loss of a loved oneÌý
- Family emergencyÌý
- Food or housing insecurity (we work in partnership with the Basic Needs Center)Ìý
- Financial concernsÌý
- Threatening behaviorÌý
Know that SSCM is a non-confidential service. This means if you disclose that your student or someone else has been impacted by sexual misconduct, protected-class discrimination or harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking or related retaliation, SSCM is required to share that information to theÌýOffice of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC)Ìýfor outreach regarding support and reporting options.ÌýÌý
You are not required to respond to OIEC. If your student needs support, OIEC provides a list of resources, including confidential assistance. If you have questions before you want to submit this type of information, please contact the confidentialÌýOffice of Victim Assistance (OVA).Ìý
Additional resourcesÌý
In addition to SSCM, CU Â鶹ӰԺ provides a wide range ofÌýcampus resourcesÌýfor students facing challenges.Ìý
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS is the primary mental health service on campus. They provide short-term counseling, community referrals, consultations, workshops, group therapy and more. CAPS is also available to provide insight and information forÌýfamilies and loved onesÌýwho want to support their student.
Ìý*Confidential resource
Office of Victim Assistance (OVA)
There may be times when your student wants to speak confidentially or hypothetically about sexual misconduct, intimate partner abuse, stalking, discrimination or harassment. OVA is a free and confidential resource that supports students through traumatic or life-changing events through short-term counseling, advocacy and more.Ìý
*Confidential resource
AcademicLiveCare (ALC)
AcademicLiveCare is a free telehealth platform that allows students to schedule medical and mental health appointments virtually. Students can use this program to see board-certified healthcare professionals from home, campus or anywhere they go. All they need is a smartphone, computer, tablet or other mobile device.
Basic Needs Center (BNC)
The Basic Needs Center is a campus care collective for students seeking assistance accessing essential food and housing and resources. Plus, it provides support in emergencies. The center also offers education on how to navigate local and national food and emergency housing resources.