For Faculty & Staff

The primary mission of the Husson Counseling Services Center (HCS), is to assist students in their pursuit of success.  In order to do this, counselors help students use their strengths and resources to overcome barriers and to develop new strategies to improve mood, relationships and performance.

The Counseling Center recognizes that faculty and staff are an invaluable resource to help us continue our mission as you have the opportunity to see students in different environments and may have more access to noticing more subtle changes in behavior, attitude, and physicality. 

Where to Start

As a member of the Husson community, the best way to help is to be aware, be an active bystander and know your resources. 

Be Aware -  Using our observation skills.  Have there been changes in the students you work with that strike you as odd or concerning? 

Be an Active Bystander - Taking what you have noticed, and following up with an action of some kind.  This can be a range of actions from checking in with the student to making a Students of Concern report, and anything in between. 

Know Your Resources -  From where you report a Title IX violation to helping a student problem solve a housing issue. Having a good understanding of the resources available to you is important.  It helps remind you that you don't have to solve the problem yourself.  

Noticing Distressed or Distressing Students (Be Aware)

There will be times when you can easily see that someone is distressed and/or causing distress for others. Sometimes though the signs are more subtle. Below are some things to watch for. 

Academic Issues

• Dramatic changes in grades

• Excessive absences or excessively tardy

• Difficulty making decisions

• Late work, not prepared for classes

• Overly concerned about grades when they are doing well

• Often seeking special considerations 

• Overly seeking support from you or other students

Behaviors

• Withdrawn, listless, falling asleep in class

• Difficulty focusing, daydreaming 

• Causing distractions for others

• Significant changes in hygiene

• Aggressive or threatening behavior

• Increased anxiety

• Extreme mood changes or emotions

• Disorganized, slurred speech

• Dramatic shifts in weight either increase or decrease

• Bizarre or inappropriate behavior

• Showing up for class under the influence

Relationship Changes

• Recent death or severe illness of family, friend or loved one

• Recent break up

• Change or loss of friendships

Suicidal or Homicidal References

• Direct or indirect references to suicide, verbal or written

• Statements with an overall sense of despair and futility

• Persistent unhappiness

• Isolating from others

• Threats made toward others

• Threatening behavior toward others

Helping Distressed or Distressing Students (Be an Active Bystander)

First it's important to remember that "distressed" students are not always experiencing severe psychiatric difficulties.  Most of the time, distressed students are experiencing typical issues and difficulties that we have all experienced at some point in our lives. 

It is also important to note that we all have our different comfort levels with helping and that being an active bystander does not mean you have to get deeply involved with the issues of the student. It simply means not ignoring an observation and whether that means you engage the student or engage the resources around the student, it is still being an active bystander. 

You've noticed distress, now what?

• Engage the student privately

• Tell them what you have noticed and that you are concerned about their well being

• Listen attentively

• Avoid judgments or criticism

• Summarize what you heard from them, attempting to connect to the feelings they may not have expressed in words

• Express empathy and hope

• Offer up resources you know that may be helpful - Friends, family, counseling center, chaplain, etc.

Possible outcomes of engagement

    The student is thankful for your interest and it was helpful just to have someone check in.

This scenario is one that happens often.  Students sometimes just need someone to talk out loud to     someone that isn't directly involved.   Sometimes making your observations known and being willing to listen, helps them realize what they need to do.

    The student denies there is anything wrong but thanks you for your interest.

This is one of the other scenarios that happens often.  Though it may not feel like you've done any good, you have planted a seed.  Which may also be helpful.  With this kind of situation you can simply keep observing and if needed, make another attempt at engaging or if you feel it rises to a higher level, make a Students of Concern Report.

    The student tells you a lot of information that you honestly do not know how to handle.

This is where your knowledge of resources comes in handy.  You do not have to "fix" anything.  Your main role is to simply be supportive and offer hope.  This can be done by helping to connect the student to the right resources.  If you do not know what those resources are specifically, consult with your department head or feel free to consult with the counseling center. 

    The student shares that they are suicidal.

Share with the student that you are concerned and want to get them some support.  Walk them over to the counseling center. If the counseling center is closed, call security (941-7911) or walk them over to the security office (Peabody 106).

    The student shares that they are homicidal.

Call Safety and Security (941-7911) or 911.

For more detailed information about how to decide what to do when a student is in distress, see the downloadable decision tree below.  

Important Resources

• Husson University Safety and Security:  941-7911

• Partners for Peace:  800-863-9909

• Rape Response Services: 800-310-0000

• Husson University Wellness Center:  207-941-7625

• Title IX Coordinator, David Casavant:  941-7132