ASSISTING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS
SEE SOMETHING.
CSU faculty and staff are in a unique
position to demonstrate compassion for
CSU students in distress.
Both undergraduate and graduate
students may feel alone, isolated,
and even hopeless when faced with
academic and life challenges. These
feelings can easily disrupt academic
performance and may lead to difficulties
coping and other serious consequences.
You may be the first person to
SEE SOMETHING distressing in
your students since you have frequent
and prolonged contact with them.
The California State University, in
collaboration with the California
Mental Health Services Authority
(CalMHSA), requests that you act with
compassion when assisting students.
S AY SOMETHING.
Students exhibiting troubling behaviors
in your presence are likely having
difficulties in various settings including
the classroom, with roommates, with
family, and even in social settings.
Trust your instincts and SAY
SOMETHING if a student leaves you
feeling worried, alarmed, or threatened!
DO SOMETHING.
Sometimes students cannot or
will not turn to family or friends.
DO SOMETHING! Your expression
of concern may be a critical factor in
saving a student’s academic career or
even their life.
The purpose of this folder is to help
you recognize symptoms of student
distress and identify appropriate referrals
to campus resources.
ACADEMIC
INDICATORS
Sudden decline in quality of
work and grades
Repeated absences
Disturbing content in writing or
presentations (e.g., violence,
death)
You find yourself doing more
personal rather than academic
counseling during office hours
Continuous classroom
disruptions
SAFETY RISK
INDICATORS
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Making implied or direct
threats to harm self or others
Academic assignments
dominated by themes of
extreme hopelessness, rage,
worthlessness, isolation, despair,
acting out, suicidal ideations/
violent behaviors
PSYCHOLOGICAL
INDICATORS
Self-disclosure of personal
distress that could include family
problems, financial difficulties,
depression, grief, or thoughts of suicide
Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions,
irritability or unusual apathy
Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering,
intimidation)
Expressions of concern about
the student by his/her peers
PHYSICAL
INDICATORS
Marked changes in physical
appearance including deterioration in
grooming, hygiene, or weight loss/
gain
Excessive fatigue/sleep disturbance
Intoxication, hangovers, or smelling
of alcohol
Disoriented or out of it”
The Family Rights and Privacy Act Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication about a
student of concern in connection with a health and safety emergency. Observations of
a student's conduct or statements made by a student are not FERPA protected. Such
information should be shared with appropriate consideration for student privacy.
SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING. DO SOMETHING.
ASSISTING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS
DISRUPTIVE OR DISTRESSED
DISRUPTIVE STUDENT
A student whose conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly,
dangerous, or threatening, including self-harmful behavior.
TO GET HELP
If you are concerned for your own or others safety due to a student’s disruptive
and/or threatening behavior, call 911 or the Campus Police Department.
REPORT INCIDENT TO
Campus Police Department
IF A STUDENT IS CAUSING A DISRUPTION BUT DOES NOT
POSE A THREAT
Ensure your safety in the environment.
Use a calm, non-confrontational approach to defuse/de-escalate the situation.
Set limits by explaining how the behavior is inappropriate.
If the disruptive behavior persists, notify the student that disciplinary action
may be taken. Ask the student to leave. Inform him or her that refusal to
leave may be a separate violation subject to discipline.
Immediately report the incident to the appropriate resource.
If you believe there is a safety risk, contact Campus Police Department.
DISTRESSED STUDENT
A student with persistent behaviors such as
Overly anxious
Sad
Irritable
Withdrawn
Confused
Lacks motivation and/or concentration
Seeks constant attention
Demonstrates bizarre or erratic behavior
Expresses suicidal thoughts
RESOURCES & TIPS
:
BE PROACTIVE: Engage students early on, pay attention to signs of
distress, and set limits on disruptive behavior.
BE DIRECT: Don’t be afraid to ask students directly if they are under the
influence of drugs or alcohol, feeling confused, or having thoughts of
harming themselves or others.
LISTEN SENSITIVELY AND CAREFULLY: Use a non-confrontational
approach and a calm voice. Avoid threatening, humiliating, and intimidating
responses.
SAFETY FIRST: The welfare of the campus community is the top priority
when a student displays threatening or potentially violent behavior. Do not
hesitate to call for help.
FOLLOW THROUGH: Direct the student to the physical location of the
identified resource.
CONSULTATION AND DOCUMENTATION: Always document your
interactions with distressed students and consult with your department
chair/ supervisor after any incident.
SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING. DO SOMETHING.
ASSISTING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS
RESPOND PROTOCOL
Follow the chart to determine who to connect when
faced with a distressed or distressing student.
Is the student a danger to self or others, or does the
student need immediate assistance for any reason?
YES
The student’s
conduct is clearly and
imminently reckless,
disorderly, dangerous,
or threatening including
self-harm behavior.
Call 911 or Campus Police
The student shows signs
of distress but I am
unsure how serious it is.
My interaction has left
me feeling uneasy and/
or really concerned about
the student.
NOT SURE
I’m not concerned for
the students immediate
safety, but he or she
is having significant
academic and/or
personal issues and
could use some support
or additional resources.
NO
Refer students to an
appropriate campus resource
SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING. DO SOMETHING.
The California Maritime Academy
Contact Phone Numbers
Counseling & Psychological
Services (CAPS)
(707) 654-1174
Student Health Services
(707) 654-1170
CMA Campus Police
(707) 654-1111
Services for Students with
Disabilities
(707) 654-1283
Career Development
(707) 654-1071
After hours crisis support: call x1170 or x1174
Call CAPS (x1174) to consult
&/or refer the student to CAPS