As a member of the Queens College community you may come into contact
with students who are experiencing personal distress or difficulties coping
with college. Students may reveal problems to you through personal
communication or indirectly by their general behavior. Being aware of
distress signals, methods of intervention, and sources of help for the student
can help you feel more in control of situations that may arise, and put you in
a better position to be helpful.
DISTRESS SIGNALS
1. Depression.
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While we all may feel depressed from time to time,
“normal” depressions may consist of only one or two symptoms and
usually pass within days. Clinically depressed people will exhibit
multiple symptoms for a longer period of time. Some of these
symptoms are sleep disturbances, poor concentration, change in
appetite, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, withdrawal, poor
hygiene, loss of self-esteem, and preoccupation with death.
2. Agitation or Acting Out.
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This would represent a departure from
normal or socially appropriate behavior. It might include being
disruptive, exhibiting restlessness or hyperactivity, being antagonistic
or emotional volatility (crying easily, losing temper).
3. Disorientation.
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Some distressed students may seem “out of it.”
You may witness a diminishment in awareness of what is going on
around them, forgetting or losing things, misperception of facts or
reality, rambling or disconnected speech, and behavior that seems out
of context or bizarre.
4. Drug and Alcohol Abuse.
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Signs of intoxication during class or
interaction with College officials are indicative of a problem
that requires attention.
5. Suicidal Thoughts.
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Most people who attempt suicide communicate
early messages about their distress. These messages can range from
“I don’t want to be here”, to a series of vague “good-byes”, to
“I’m going to kill myself.” All suicidal references should be taken seriously.
6. Violence and Aggression.
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You may become aware of students who
may be dangerous to others. This may be manifested by physically
violent behavior, verbal threats, threatening e-mail or letters,
harassing or stalking behavior, and papers or exams that contain
violent or threatening material.
While it is not
expected that you be a “watchdog” or that you provide a thorough assessment,
you may be the first contact for a student in distress and in a position to ask
a few questions.The following
guidelines are offered as suggestions for dealing with distressed students.
INTERVENTION GUIDELINES
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1. A student may come to you with a problem or you may notice
a problem from their behavior. If you notice a problem, but the student
has not asked you for help, approach the student in writing or orally and
suggest a meeting after class. If you would like a consultation regarding
how to talk to the student prior to your meeting, contact the Counseling
& Advisement Center.
2. When you meet with the student indicate in a supportive manner that
you have noticed that the student seems “troubled/upset”, “tuned out”.
3. If the student is willing to discuss his or her problems with you, listen
attentively without making too many responses or suggestions.
Discuss referring him or her to the Counseling & Advisement Center.
4. If the student does not want to discuss any personal matters with you,
gently indicate that professional counselors and advisors are available
in the Counseling & Advisement Center at no cost to the student. Give
the student the location and phone number of the Center. You may
want to offer to accompany the student to the Center if you are
comfortable with this action and/or offer to call the Center to say that
the student will be making an appointment.
5. Know Your Limits. You will be able to assist many distressed
students on your own by simply listening and referring them for
further help. Some students will, however, need much more than you
can provide. Respect any feelings of discomfort you may have and
focus on getting them the assistance they require. You can do this by
reinforcing them for confiding in you, being accepting and
nonjudgmental, and indicating that seeking professional help is a
positive and responsible thing to do.
Some signs that you may have overextended yourself include:
· Feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by the situation
· Feeling angry at the student
· Feeling afraid
· Having thoughts of “adopting” or otherwise rescuing the student
· “Reliving” similar experiences of your own
Dealing with severe disruptive behavior in class:
If in your judgment a student is exhibiting hostile, belligerent, and/or out of control behavior you need to take immediate action.
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1. Safety First! Always keep safety in mind as you interact with a
disruptive student. Maintain a safe distance and a route of escape
should you need it. If danger to you or the student seems imminent,
call Public Safety at 5912. If no phone is available, quietly, send
another person to the nearest office or emergency phone to call.
2. Avoid Escalation. Distressed students can sometimes be easily
provoked. Never embarrass a student in front of other students. Take
a calm and matter-of-fact approach. You may want to ask the
disruptive student to leave the class. Be supportive but firm. Avoid
threatening, humiliating, and intimidating responses. When a student
is hostile and defiant it is best to avoid a confrontation. One can
always remind them of rules at a later time.
3. Work with the Dean of Students Office.
Once the student isremoved by Security or has left the class on his
or her own, contact Dean Burton Backner (997-5500). Discuss the
situation with the Dean and plan a course of action. Depending on
the situation an intervention by the Dean and/or a member of the
Counseling & Advisement Center may serve to resolve the situation.
In some cases, depending upon the severity of the disruption, it
may be necessary to pursue disciplinary action, including suspension
from The College.
I hope that the
following information is helpful.The Counseling & Advisement Center has a staff of psychologists and
counseling professionals who see students for personal, psychological and/or
academic counseling.All services
are confidential and free of charge.Please feel free to contact me.