Red Folder

See Something
Say Something
Do Something

Assisting students in distress

Response Protocol

Use this table to determine whom to contact when faced with a distressed or distressing student.

SituationContact

Situation

The student’s conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening including self-harm behavior.

Contact

Call 911 or Campus Police.

Situation

The student shows signs of distress but I am unsure how serious it is. My interaction has left me feeling uneasy and/or really concerned about the student.

Contact

Consult with and/or refer to the Counseling Center.

Situation

I’m not concerned for the student’s immediate safety, but he or she is having significant academic and/or personal issues and could use some support or additional resources.

Contact

Refer students to an appropriate campus resource.

SEE SOMETHING.

CSU faculty and staff are in a unique position to demonstrate compassion for CSU students in distress.

Both undergraduate and graduate students may feel alone, isolated, and even hopeless when faced with academic and life challenges. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and may lead to difficulties coping and other serious consequences.

You may be the first person to SEE SOMETHING distressing in your students since you have frequent and prolonged contact with them. The California State University, in collaboration with the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), requests that you act with compassion when assisting students.

SAY SOMETHING.

Students exhibiting troubling behaviors in your presence are likely having difficulties in various settings including the classroom, with roommates, with family, and even in social settings.

Trust your instincts and SAY SOMETHING if a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed or threatened!

DO SOMETHING.

Sometimes students cannot or will not turn to family or friends. DO SOMETHING! Your expression of concern may be a critical factor in saving a student’s academic career or even their life. The purpose of this folder is to help you recognize symptoms of student distress and identify appropriate referrals to campus resources.

ACADEMIC INDICATORS

  • Sudden decline in quality of work and grades.
  • Repeated absences.
  • Disturbing content in writing or presentations (e.g., violence, death).
  • You find yourself doing more personal rather than academic counseling during office hours.
  • Continuous classroom disruptions.

SAFETY RISK INDICATORS

  • Unprovoked anger or hostility.
  • Making implied or direct threats to harm self or others.
  • Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, rage, worthlessness, isolation, despair, acting out, suicidal ideations/violent behaviors.

PSYCHOLOGICAL INDICATORS

  • Self-disclosure of personal distress that could include family problems, financial difficulties, depression, grief or thoughts of suicide.
  • Excessive tearfulness, panicked reactions, irritability or unusual apathy.
  • Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering, intimidation).
  • Expressions of concern about the student by his/her peers.

PHYSICAL INDICATORS

  • Marked changes in physical appearance including deterioration in grooming hygiene, or weight loss/gain.
  • Excessive fatigue/sleep disturbance.
  • Intoxication, hangovers or smelling of alcohol.
  • Disoriented or “out of it”.

Disruptive or Distressed

Disruptive Student

A student whose conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous or threatening, including self-harmful behavior.

To get help

If you are concerned for your own or others’ safety due to a student’s disruptive and/or threatening behavior, call 911 or the Campus Police Department.

Report incident to

Campus Police Department

Distressed Student

A student with persistent behaviors such as:

  • Overly anxious
  • Sad
  • Irritable
  • Withdrawn
  • Confused
  • Lacks motivation and/or concentration
  • Seeks constant attention
  • Demonstrates bizarre or erratic behavior
  • Expresses suicidal thoughts

if a student is causing a disruption but does not pose a threat

  • Ensure your safety in the environment.
  • Use a calm, non-confrontational approach to defuse/de-escalate the situation.
  • Set limits by explaining how the behavior is inappropriate.
  • If the disruptive behavior persists, notify the student that disciplinary action may be taken. Ask the student to leave. Inform him or her that refusal to leave may be a separate violation subject to discipline.
  • Immediately report the incident to the appropriate resource.

If you believe there is a safety risk, contact the Campus Police Department.

RESOURCES & TIPS:

BE PROACTIVE: Engage students early on, pay attention to signs of distress, and set limits on disruptive behavior.

BE DIRECT: Don’t be afraid to ask students directly if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, feeling confused, or having thoughts of harming themselves or others.

LISTEN SENSITIVELY AND CAREFULLY: Use a non-confrontational approach and a calm voice. Avoid threatening, humiliating and intimidating responses.

SAFETY FIRST: The welfare of the campus community is the top priority when a student displays threatening or potentially violent behavior. Do not hesitate to call for help.

FOLLOW THROUGH: Direct the student to the physical location of the identified resource.

CONSULTATION AND DOCUMENTATION: Always document your interactions with distressed students and consult with your department chair/supervisor after any incident.

Campus Resources

Bakersfield
Counseling Center
(661) 654-3366
Student Health Services
(661) 654-2394
University Police
(661) 654-2111
Services for Students with Disabilities
(661) 654-3360
Student Rights & Responsibilities
(661) 654-2680