Any concerns you are having about the mental wellness of a student
How to talk with a student about the Counseling Center
Sudden tragic events that impact your student such as an unexpected death of a student
in your class. The Counseling Center can offer debriefing
Program planning
Guidance regarding where to refer a student
Answering general mental health questions
EAP
Faculty & Staff Training Videos & Information
The following trainings have been created to support both faculty and staff in understanding
the mental health needs of students and available resources." The counseling center
would hope that you find the presentations helpful. If you have any questions, please
reach out to the counseling center at (773)995-2383
On campus contact the 海角社区 Campus Police at (773) 995-2111 and off campus call 911
identifying the student in distress
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 an attempt to draw attention to their plight:
"a cry for help." Your ability to recognize the signs of emotional distress and your
courage to acknowledge your concerns directly to the student are often noted by students
as the most significant factor in their successful problem resolution. Below is a
list of signs that may indicate that a student is in distress:
Academic Signs
Significant shift in quality of work
Missed assignments or appointments
Repeated absence from class, exams, and other activities
Essays or papers that express hopelessness, social isolation, rage, or despair
Lack of engagement in participation-oriented classes
Inappropriate disruptions
Monopolizing classroom time
Physical or Psychological Signs
Excessive anxiety or panic
Apathy, lack of energy, a change in sleeping or eating habits, or dramatic weight
gain or loss
Marked changes in personal hygiene, work habits, or social behavior
Mood elevation
Isolation or withdrawal
Overtly suicidal thoughts, such as referring to suicide as a current option
Giving away treasured personal possessions
Increased irritability or aggressive behavior
Bizarre thinking, seemingly at odds with the reality of the situation (such as paranoia)
Excessive use of alcohol/drugs
Other Factors to Consider
Direct statements indicating family problems, personal losses such as death of a family
member or the break颅up of a relationship
Expressions of concern about a student by peers
Written note or verbal statement that has a sense of hopelessness or finality
Your sense, however vague, that something is seriously amiss
What You Can Do
Taking the step to assist a student can save a life (or many lives). An individual
who is distressed often wants help but doesn't know how to ask. You can begin the
process by expressing your concern in a caring, nonjudgmental way. By offering assistance,
you can play an essential role in maintaining the health and wellness of our students
in their pursuit of academic excellence.
Find a private, comfortable place to talk. Give the student your undivided attention.
It is possible that just a few minutes of effective listening on your part may be
enough to help the student feel comfortable about what to do next. Ask if the student
has ever talked about this problem with anyone else, including a counselor. Try to
get an accurate understanding of the issues, and, if appropriate, encourage the student
to talk about the situation with a professional.
In your own words, express your concern using statements like, "I'm concerned that...".
Ask open-ended questions. The student may choose not to answer, but may feel relieved
to know you are trying to understand.
Don't feel compelled to find a solution. Often, listening is enough.
Suggest that the student can get more help, if needed.
Don't hesitate to ask for support from the Counseling Center staff, Director of Health
& Wellness Services, or the Dean of Students.
How to Make a Referral
Do not attempt to make a referral when the student is so upset and confused that they
cannot understand or listen to you. Wait until the student has calmed down enough
to be able to converse and respond to your suggestions.
Suggest that the student make an appointment with the Counseling Center staff by contacting
us at (773) 995-2383 or CRSUB 190.
If necessary, you can help the student make an appointment. Call the Counseling Center
at (773) 995-2383 while the student is with you. Write down the appointment details,
including time, counselor鈥檚 name, and location of the Center.
If the student is hesitant to make an appointment, explain to the student that:
Counseling at 海角社区 is confidential. This means that information
about the student cannot be released to other University offices, family members or
faculty without the student鈥檚 written permission (except when the student is in danger
of harming himself or herself or others). Counseling records are not kept with any
academic records and are protected by law.
The services are free to currently registered 海角社区 students.
The first meeting is an intake or consultation session.
Students In Crisis
A crisis is a situation in which an individual's usual style of coping is no longer
effective, and the emotional or physiological response begins to escalate. As emotions
intensify, coping becomes less effective, until the person becomes disoriented, nonfunctional,
or attempts to harm self or others. If a student is in a serious mental health crisis,
you might see or hear the following signs:
Suicidal statements or suicide attempts
Written or verbal violence or acting out violently
Destruction of property or other criminal acts
Extreme anxiety resulting in panic reactions
Inability to communicate (e.g., garbled or slurred speech, disjointed thoughts)
Loss of contact with reality (e.g., seeing or hearing things that aren't there, expressing
beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
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海角社区 
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