As a faculty or staff member, you are an integral part of the campus community. Faculty and staff may be in positions where they are able to identify students who are in crisis, as well as provide referrals and support to students who are recovering from a trauma. The following information may provide you with guidance in recognizing and helping a student in distress.
Indicators of Distress
Below are general indicators that a student may be having difficulty coping with a trauma such as sexual assault.
ACADEMIC INDICATORS
Deterioration in quality of work
A drop in grades
A negative change in classroom performance
Missed assignments
Repeated absences from class
Disorganized or erratic performance
Continual seeking of special accommodations (extensions, postponed examination)
Essays or creative work portraying extremes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage, or despair
INTERPERSONAL INDICATORS
Direct statements indicating distress or other difficulties
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Exaggerated personality traits (more withdrawn or more animated than usual)
Excessive dependency
Expression of hopelessness or worthlessness
Peers expressing concern about a fellow student
If you have a hunch or gut-level reaction that something is wrong
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
Deterioration in physical appearance
Excessive fatigue
Visible changes in weight
Indications of substance abuse or chemical dependency
SAFETY RISK INDICATORS
Any written note or verbal statement which has a sense of finality or suicidal ideation
Essays or papers that focus on hopelessness, helplessness, despair, suicide, or death
Severe depression
Self-destructive or self-injurious behaviors
Any other behavior which seems out of control or extreme
