Tips for Responding with Compassion
Listen Sensitively and Carefully
Vulnerable students need you to listen and help. Ask directly how they are doing or if they have thoughts of harming themselves or others.
Trust Your Gut
If you are concerned about a student, talk to your department chair, supervisor, or the Office of the Dean of Students.
Connect with Campus Resources
We have other professionals and campus resources dedicated to helping you and students. You can start with the Student Care Network or the collection of resources located in your campus's guide to helping students in distress. Your firsthand knowledge and personal connection to this student is valuable in supporting them.
Take Care
Helping a distressed student can take a toll on you. Please think of your own wellbeing and seek support if needed.
Stay Safe
Safety is always our top priority. Call 911 if a student poses an immediate threat to self or others.
Share What You Know
State and federal laws and University policies mandate reporting in some situations. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) allows faculty and staff to report student health and safety concerns to relevant campus offices trained to handle situations with sensitivity and care.
Taking appropriate action does not violate a student’s privacy. In some instances, employees have an obligation to report behavior. Visit Compliance and Civil Rights (CCR) for more information on reporting requirements.