As
faculty and staff members, you may be the first to notice a student who is
experiencing difficulty. However, you do not have to take on the role of counselor
or diagnose a student. If appropriate, you may want to have a direct
conversation with the student to gather more information and express your concern.
We do recommend you offer resource referral information.
To
refer a student to BIT, complete the referral form. Additionally,
when you notice signs of distress, you may consult with staff in these areas about your observations:
- Counseling Center for mental health concerns (765-285-1736,
after hours and weekends call University Police 765-285-1111 or 911)
- Health Center for physical health concerns (765-285-8431)
- Office of Student Conduct for concerns
related to the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities
(765-285-5036)
- University Police for immediate emergencies concerning health
and safety (5-1111 or 911) from a campus phone or (765-285-1111)
from your cell or other phone.
Indicators of Distress
Often, there are indicators that a student is
experiencing distress long before a situation escalates to a crisis. To assist
our students in maintaining their mental health and maximizing their intellectual
growth, it is important to identify difficulties as early as possible. The
presence of one or more of the following indicators alone does not necessarily mean
that the student is experiencing severe distress. However, the more indicators
you notice, the more likely it is that the student needs help. When in doubt,
consult with the Counseling Center at 765-285-1736.
Indicators of Distress:
- Marked
changes in performance or behavior
- Unusual
behavior or appearance
- Reference
to suicide, homicide, or death
- Problems in
social relationships
- Traumatic
or stressful events
- Alcohol and
drug use