How to Respond to Students in Distress

How to Respond to Different Levels of Distress

	Level 1 A student with uncomfortable emotions	Level 2 A student with intensity and/or chronically uncomfortable emotions	Level 3 A student with evidence of danger to self or others
Examples	Sadness, stress/anxiety, social withdrawal, family difficulties, academic concerns, adjustment concerns	Frequent crying, difficulty concentrating, panic attacks, behavioral outbursts, social isolation, non-lethal self harm (ex. cutting)	Aggressive/disruptive/bizarre behavior, suicidal behavior, evidence of plan to harm others, homicidal behavior, significant disconnection from reality.
What to do	Listen, emphasize, and encourage. Facilitate opportunities for peer connection (resident assistant, evergreen, student clubs, group fitness, Graduate Student Organization/Grad Fridays) Facilitate opportunities for staff support (Assistant Director of Student Life, Counseling Center, Campus Ministry, Disability Support Services, Career Center, Office of Student Engagement, Graduate Department Chair, Director of Technology and Graduate Student Services). Stay connected by checking in with student occasionally.	Level 1 responses, plus... Refer to counseling center and provide support in scheduling appointment if student is willing (call front desk: 410-617-2273, walk student to Counseling Center in HU 150, consult with Counseling Center counselor). Refer to other campus supports, as appropriate. Consult with your supervisor.	Contact the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Development at 410-617-5646 or Dean of Students at 410-617-2842. If after-hours, contact Public Safety to be connected with campus resources (410-617-5911). If the immediate safety or the student or others is in danger, contact Public Safety at 410-617-5911.
For resources and more information	The Counseling Center Website Kognito: interactive program that allows users to learn how to approach at-risk students and make appropriate referrals to campus support services for screening and assessment	*Please note: if there is any report of suicidal thoughts, plan, or intent, contact the Counseling Center right away (410-617-2273). If after-hours, contact Public Safety to be connected with campus resources (410-617-5911)	*Please note: for urgent, after-hours concerns involving graduate students, please contact Public Safety to be connected with campus resources (410-617-5911)

Connecting Students With Supportive Resources on Campus

A supportive conversation with a student that is struggling can go a long way in helping them achieve success at Loyola. The goal is not to solve problems, but to provide caring guidance and assistance in connecting with campus resources.

Please do not give assurances of confidentially. A student who appears to pose a threat to self or others needs to be referred for help and supervision.

Counseling Center (x2273)

Provides counseling, outreach, consultation, and/or comprehensive referral services to Loyola students. A counselor is available for (8:30-5:00) to provide consultation to the campus community. Online psychoeducation and self-help resources are also available on our website.
Consider completing Kognito, an interactive program that allows users to learn how to approach students in distress and make appropriate referrals to campus support services for screening and assessment.

Campus Police (x5911)

Provides support for public safety concerns such as if a student is threatening you in any way or poses an imminent risk to themselves or others.

Office of the Vice President for Student Development (x. 5646) or Dean of Students (x2842)

If a student is acting out in a disruptive or concerning way, please call the Office of the Assistant Vice President for Student Development office.

Student Support and Wellness Promotion (x2928)

Offers individual support services to students who may need assistance with navigating the complexity of college life, medical leave of absence, or returning from a medical leave of absence.

Sexual Violence Prevention, Education, and Response Coordinator and Program Manager (x6769)

Offers a confidential resource for concerns about sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, emotional abuse, and stalking. Provide information regarding options for medical resources, Title IX process, and legal process.

Title IX Deputy Coordinator for Students (x5646)

Addresses Title IX reporting (i.e. sexual assault, dating/domestic violence, stalking or sexual harassment); provides interim measures such as no contact orders, new housing assignment; assists impacted students with changes to class/work schedule, academic support, transportation assistance, escorts to and from campus locations, visa and immigration assistance, medical leave of absence interim suspension for the alleged respondent, and other measures for safety as necessary.

Disability Support Services (x2062)

Provides resources for accessibility accommodations; exam proctoring for extended test taking accommodation; clarification about any DSS accommodation; and consultation about the possible needs of a student who may have a disability.

Academic Advising and Support (x5050)

Addresses academic adjustment student concerns, especially missed class; advising and registration support; and academic success workshops.

Office of Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies (x5547)

Provides support regarding academic policy and implementation; medical concerns or life events impacting academics; and seeking an extended excused absence.

Graduate Student Services (x2353)

Advocates for graduate students, as well as offers resources, programs, and information to enhance the graduate student experience.