Faculty/Staff - Challenging Conversations

As a faculty or staff member interacting daily with students, you are in an excellent position to recognize behavior changes that characterize the emotionally troubled student. A student's behavior, especially if it is inconsistent with your previous observations, could well constitute a "cry for help."

Certain signals that distressed students give out may go unnoticed for a variety of reasons. And even when we do notice them, it can be very difficult to intervene. We may feel we are "in over our heads," or we may have competing concerns, such as other students waiting to see us. It is important to know that it is quite likely that the problem will not go away unless there is an intervention. Part of a good intervention requires knowing how to act during these incidents and what resources to call upon.
- University Health Services Tang Center 
  Assisting a Distressed Student

Additional Resources
University Health Services Tang Center - Assisting an Emotionally Distressed Student: A Faculty and Student Guide
Dean of Students - Students of Concern Committee