Faculty and Staff:
Recognizing a Student in Distress:
Faculty and staff are an important component in recognizing students that are having difficulties during the academic year. Albertus Magnus students have many challenges to cope with during their college experience. The students are not only learning how to manage academic expectations but are also dealing with a variety of stressors. Some of these stressors are time management, expectations of their athletic team, interpersonal relationships, deciding a major, increasing overall independence, and learning how live away from home.
These daily stressors can contribute to increase in poor academic performance, roommate difficulties, depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol use, and interpersonal conflict. The staff and faculty's ability to recognize and address concerns about a student are significant to helping the student get the help they need and to be successful at Albertus Magnus College.
How to Identify a Student in Distress:
Below are some warning signs but is not an exclusive list; if you have any concerns please contact counseling@albertus.edu
Academic Signs:
Decrease in academic performance
Missed assignments or classes
Difficulties in concentrating in class
Change in mood towards the class (lack of enthusiasm, increase in agitation, etc.)
Frequently seeking academic accommodations (extension in classroom assignments, postponed exams and assignments.)
Physical Signs:
Change in hygiene
Falling asleep in class or appearing consistently tired
Change in weight
Appearing intoxicated in class
Change in energy
Unexplainable bruises, burns, or cuts
Emotional Signs:
Increase in tearfulness in class
Increase in agitation
Withdrawn
Expressing feelings of helplessness to staff, teacher, or in writing assignments
Peer expressing concerns about another student
Indirect or direct statements in regards to suicidal or homicidal ideations, family conflict, or other areas of concerns.
How to best Intervene?
Talk the student in private.
Talk in a clear and calm voice and state your reason for concern.
Listen carefully to what the student says in a nonjudgmental and caring manner.
Do not criticize or argue with the student.
Encourage the student to seek out counselor on or off campus. Remind the student that counseling on campus is free and confidential.
Offer walking with the student to the counselor's office in order to help them set up an appointment.
Check back with the student on a regular bases to demonstrate your interest.
What if the student refuses services?
Counseling is always a personal choice. If the student refuses services but you continue to be uncomfortable about the student's safety, please call the counselor at 20-773-8149 or at counseling@albertus.edu to discuss your concerns. If you are concern about the student's personal safety or someone else's safety, please contact campus security immediately or call 911.