Big Red Folder

How to Help Students

(An Overview for Faculty & Staff)

Faculty member in front of auditorium of students

Keeping Students Safe

SEE, SAY, DO Something

If you SEE someone in emotional distress or acting in a manner that is inconsistent from your previous experience, trust your instincts to DO SOMETHING. You can SAY SOMETHING if a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed or threatened.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication about a student of concern in connection with health and safety issues to an appropriate campus resource. You can help by notifying the Student Advocacy and Support (402.472.0878) so that an appropriate intervention can be made.

If you are advising or meeting a student remotely, view our tips to help you prepare for an unforeseen crisis.

WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL 911 OR CONSULT WITH COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (402.472.7450)


IF THE STUDENT	TAKE ACTION
Threatens the safety of self or others Acts in a frightening or threatening manner Refuses to leave the classroom after being asked to leave Reporting or initiating a threat or bomb scare	University Police Department Campus Phone: 2-2222 Cell Phone: 402.472.2222
Acts significantly out of character Acts peculiar and this is cause for alarm Displays unhealthy or dangerous patterns of behavior	University Police Department 402.472.2222
Indicates loss of touch with reality Reflects suicidal thoughts or actions, depression, hopelessness, anxiety or difficulty dealing with grief	Counseling and Psychological Services 402.472.7450 follow prompts for after-hours assistance
Indicates having been a victim of a stalking, hazing or other crime Reports sexual assault or relationship violence	Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) 402.472.3553 Voices of Hope 24-Hour Crisis Line 402.475.7273
Is not attending class for an extended period of time Seems overwhelmed by a problem that could affect university attendance or persistence Exhibits behavior that substantially impairs, interferes or obstructs orderly processes and functions of the university Exhibits behavior that deliberately interferes with instruction or office procedures Exhibits behavior that is lewd or indecent or breaches the peace Reflects debilitated feeling or overwhelmed by a family or personal emergency	Student Advocacy and Support 402.472.0878 Submit student referrals online Referrals are reviewed by the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).
Is having academic difficulty due to physical, psychological or learning disability Indicates a need for disability accommodations	Services for Students with Disabilities 402.472.3787
Is having academic difficulty due to medical concerns/illness Struggling to attend classes or complete assignments due to medical issues	University Health Center Medical Clinic 402.472.5000
Indicates experiencing hate crimes, bias, discrimination or harassment	Institutional Equity and Compliance 402.472.3417

Best Practices for Working with Distressed Students

Speak with the individual privately
Let them know you are concerned and willing to help
Listen carefully and compassionately; then, explore options
Keep healthy boundaries and limits
Identify resources and make referrals

Possible Signs of Distress

Marked change in performance or behavior
Excessive absence or tardiness
Decreased motivation/concentration
Increased irritability or anxiety
Exaggerated emotional response that is inappropriate to the situation
Increased isolation or sadness
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Marked change in personal hygiene, including weight loss or gain
Excessive confusion
Bizarre or erratic behavior
References to suicide (e.g., feelings of helplessness or hopelessness)
References to homicide or assault

If a Student Tells You of a Sexual Assault

Stay calm and listen. Create an environment where the student can talk and share.
Offer your support. Let the student know that they are not to blame for what happened.
Let them know that you are available to support them.
Empower the student by telling them they have a right to be safe and free from violence.
Be honest and up front about reporting the abuse or getting support.
Help them find resources to talk with individuals who are trained on these topics:
Counseling and Psychological Services — 402.472.7450
Center for Advocacy, Response & Education (CARE) — 402.472.3553
Employees are expected to report the incident right away to Institutional Equity and Compliance (402.472.3417).

Working with Disruptive Individuals

What is disruptive behavior?
Behavior that interferes with the campus's learning environment is considered disruptive.
It is important to recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts for a brief period of time.

What are some examples…?

Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention
Aggressive or defiant behavior
Words or actions that intimidate or harass
Words or actions that cause another to fear for their personal safety

How can I respond to a disruptive person?

SAFETY FIRST
Do not ignore disruptive behavior
Remember that anger usually passes quickly
Calmly let the student know that the behavior is inappropriate
Disruptive behavior should be documented

DO:

Use silence to allow the student to tell you what is upsetting them
Acknowledge the feelings of the individual
Be firm, steady, consistent, and honest
Focus on what you can do to help the student problem solve
Make personal referrals to appropriate resources
Communicate your concerns with Student Advocacy and Support (402.472.0878 or studentadvocacy@unl.edu)

In a crisis situation, or if you feel threatened or endangered, call 2-2222 or 911.

About Our Services

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a multidisciplinary team of psychologists and counselors who work collaboratively with students and psychiatric providers. We help students explore their feelings and thoughts and learn helpful ways to improve their mental, psychological and emotional well-being when issues arise. Services include:

Crisis services
Individual and couples counseling
Support and therapy groups
Screenings and assessments
Alcohol/drug screening and counseling
Eating disorders treatment
Workshops and presentations

Although we do not provide medication evaluation and referral services, we can collaborate with specialty providers for medication management.

LEARN MORE

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