Students in Distress

Faculty and staff are in a good position to recognize students who are in distress and can support their efforts to cope. It is not uncommon for students to experience trauma and some level of distress during their time on campus. Frequently, faculty and staff are in a position to recognize students’ needs and offer valuable assistance, even when the student has not initiated the contact. When a student mentions these types of traumas, it is appropriate to offer referrals to support services.

Examples of Trauma/Distress:

• Health Problems

  • Injuries

  • Hospitalization

  • Problems in social relationships

  • Changes in close relationships

  • Lack of family support

• Traumatic or stressful events

  • Failure of courses

  • Significant financial distress

  • Homelessness

Often students may not tell faculty or staff members directly when they are experiencing distress, but their behaviors will indicate that the student is in distress. When you notice these concerning or unusual behaviors, it is appropriate to ask the student for more information in order to identify the best next steps for support. If you are unsure how to have this conversation with a student, you may contact the Office of the Dean of Student Life to consult with a support specialist and identify next steps. Additionally, here is a document that provides faculty guidance in supporting students experiencing serious illness.

Behavioral Indicators:

• Changes in academic performance or behavior

  • Poor performance or preparation

  • Excessive absence or tardiness

• Use of drugs or alcohol

  • Disclosure of addiction issues

  • Increased engagement in risky behavior

• Concerning change in personal hygiene or appearance

  • Depressed or lethargic mood

  • Expressed feelings of helplessness

Consulting with the Dean of Student Life Office is not a FERPA violation and it is an appropriate starting point when you are unsure which steps to take with a student in distress.

At Portland State University, we believe in creating an ethos of care on campus. That includes reaching out to students in distress. When you notice a behavior that is concerning, offer to meet with the student in your office hours or after class discreetly. When you meet with the student, clearly identify behaviorally specific concerns that you have, leaving out any judgement, opinion, or diagnosis. Take time to listen to the student’s concerns, and offer services on campus to support the student. Clearly state the boundaries of your role as a faculty or staff member. Your conversations with students are not confidential, and your main goal is to help the student learn material. By connecting them with support services, you are supporting their educational goals.

When students experience trauma, demonstrated care by university community members and their resulting referrals are a critical agent for student success. If you are unsure where to refer a student in distress, the Dean of Student Life Office is the best option to connect a student to a campus and community resource. The Dean of Student Life Office is home to the C.A.R.E. team, a multidisciplinary consult team who coordinates care, assesses risk, responds to campus incidents, and educates the university community about serving students in distress. The C.A.R.E. Team includes members from the following campus departments: Dean of Student Life Office, Director of Conduct and Community Standards, Campus Public Safety Office, Housing and Residence Life, Women’s Resource Center, etc.

The Dean of Student Life Office is also home to support services for students in distress including the Women’s Resource Center, the Queer Resource Center, and Resource Center for Students with Children. The Dean of Student Life Office staff is always available to consult about student behavior and assist you in making referrals and response decisions to best support student growth.

International Student Services

Studying abroad can be a very challenging experience that can lead to signs of emotional distress. Language barriers and cultural differences may make it difficult for international students to be forthcoming about their struggles. Because full time enrollment is a requirement of their visa status, it is essential that students having challenges meet with an advisor in OISSS to receive guidance and support to ensure they maintain their immigration status.  Our immigration and student life advisors work closely with SHAC and other units on campus to ensure students receive the support they need. Find more information at www.pdx.edu/international-students/

Services for Students with Children (SSWC)

The SSWC recognizes distressed student parents may be concerned about paying for childcare, having childcare on campus, as well as other challenges common to student life. Little Vikings Flexible Childcare was developed to provide students with flexible childcare available when students need it at an affordable rate. The Jim Sells Childcare Assistance Program reimburses up to 50% of out of pocket childcare expenses. The award can be used for childcare both on and off campus as well as private babysitters. The subsidy applies to graduate and undergraduate students as long as they are taking a minimum of 8 credit hours for undergraduates, or 5 credit hours for graduate or post-baccalaureate students. The Ron Ronacher emergency loan is available to student parents to assist with unplanned expenses. Student Support Specialists provide guidance, support and resources for student parents. 

Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC)

Counseling Services staff are available to assist any student experiencing a mental health emergency or faculty/staff working with a student in distress. During business hours, students with immediate counseling needs can walk in and/or faculty/staff can walk a student over to the Center for Student Health and Counseling (SHAC). When SHAC is closed, the 24-hour Multnomah County Crisis Line can be of service to students for counseling and mental health related support and referrals. If you or a student in distress requires immediate response, it is best to contact the Campus Public Safety Office (CPSO). CPSO provides 24-hour response to all emergency situations on the Portland State University campus. CPSO regularly consults with SHAC and Dean of Student Life Office on any mental health related campus emergencies.

To contact SHAC, please call 503-725-2800. To reach the Multnomah County Crisis Line, please call 503-988-4888. To get in touch with the CPSO, please call 503-725-4407.