Faculty & Staff Guide: Helping students in distress

As faculty and staff, you often notice when a student is struggling. You don’t have to solve the problem alone, but you can help connect the student to the right resources. Providing initial support to a student who is struggling can be essential to their well-being.

Common Signs a Student May Be in Distress

Look for changes in how a student behaves, looks, or performs such as:

• Frequent absences or missed assignments
• A drop in academic performance
• Emotional outbursts or unusual behavior
• Signs of extreme stress, sadness, or anxiety
• Expressions of hopelessness
• Poor hygiene or changes in appearance
• Comments about death or wanting to give up
• Signs of substance misuse

What You Can Do

• Find a private place to talk.
  A few minutes of empathic listening may be enough to help the student feel comfortable about what to do next.
• Ask open-ended questions.
  The student might not answer, but appreciate that you are trying to understand.
• Don’t feel compelled to find a solution.
  Many times, listening is enough.
• Suggest that the student get more help.
  If they say no, that’s okay — keep checking in and let them know you care.
• Know your own limits.
  If you are worried about a student’s safety, don’t worry alone. Clinical consultation services are available (see below).

Connecting to Support Services

There are many different support services for students on campus. Consider providing a couple of options to the student you are helping.

If you refer them to the following SHS resources, let them know that all calls and appointments are strictly confidential. The only exception is in situations of life-and-death emergency, when the most important consideration is ensuring the student’s safety.

Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
Therapy and psychiatry appointments, peer support options, and 24/7 help for mental health emergencies.

Mental health support

Survivor Advocacy, Response, & Prevention (SARP)
Counseling and advocacy for students who have experienced interpersonal violence and other types of trauma.

Survivor support

Peer Support 
Groups, All Ears peer listening, and online community to connect with peers 24/7

Peer support options

Need additional guidance?

If you are worried about a student’s safety, don’t wait! We provide 24/7 consultation to any faculty or staff member. Call us at 617-353-3569 any time (day or night) to speak with a member of our clinical team. They will provide guidance on next steps and/or follow up directly with the student.

If you need on-site assistance for a student in distress immediately:

• Call the BU Police at 617-353-2121 (Charles River Campus)
• Call Public Safety at 617-358-4444 (BU Medical Campus)
• Dial 911 (off campus)

*Contact numbers for CAPS and BUPD are located on the back of all faculty, staff, and student BU IDs*