Embedded Files
A Campus with a Heart
You're often among the first people to notice when something has changed for a student: you recognize when a typically engaged student stops coming to class, strong work becomes inconsistent, someone seems unusually withdrawn or overwhelmed, or a student simply says, “I’m not doing well.”
Those moments can leave you wondering, "What should I do?" At TWU, we pride ourselves on being "a campus with a heart," a community where concern for students comes naturally, as does the desire to help.
But knowing how to help isn't always as natural. The answer isn’t to diagnose what’s happening or try to solve everything ourselves. Instead, we can learn how to respond in ways that communicate care and concern, and how to connect students with the people who can help. Below are some opportunities and resources to help us do just that.
Learn to recognize and respond
Learn to recognize and respond
A good place to start is a “Recognizing & Responding to Emotionally Distressed Students” workshop. (To attend the Oct 13 session, register here.) Kristina Rodriguez, Director of Counseling and Psychological Services, and Jennifer Rodges, Director of Operations for Student Health Services, will offer practical guidance on recognizing signs of emotional distress, navigating sensitive conversations, connecting students with campus resources, and maintaining healthy professional boundaries.
TWU also offers “How to Help a Pioneer,” which focuses on recognizing signs of distress (physical, safety, emotional, and academic) and responding effectively. The session includes practical strategies for showing concern, listening, and connecting students with relevant resources or submitting a referral to the Student of Concern committee. Call 940-898-2969 or email DoS@twu.edu to learn more.
Build confidence before the difficult moment
Build confidence before the difficult moment
It’s much easier to respond when you’ve had a chance to think through these situations before they happen. The Health and Wellbeing Initiative's "Mental Health First Aid" virtual training session provides more extensive preparation for recognizing and responding to signs of mental health or substance use challenges, as well as practice connecting someone with appropriate support. The remaining fall session for faculty and staff is October 23. Advance registration and required pre-work are required, and enrollment is limited to 30 participants. Register for the Oct 23 session here. (These sessions fill quickly, so if you're unable to register, look for future sessions announced in the Health & Wellbeing Initiative's e-newsletter.)
Know where to connect students
Know where to connect students
Supporting students is a shared effort across TWU, and faculty don’t have to determine the “perfect” resource before reaching out. Go to the Health and Wellbeing Initiative's Faculty and Staff Resources page to find where you can connect students for all kinds of support and resources (e.g., SHS, CAPS, CARE, DSS, the HWI's the Connection HUB and Peer Wellness Ambassadors).
Sometimes the most important first step is small
Sometimes the most important first step is small
You aren’t responsible for treating students’ mental health concerns, but you do have important relationships with students. A simple expression of concern (e.g., "I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I wanted to check in") can open a door. Listening, knowing the limits of your role, and helping a student make the next connection can be enough.
You don’t have to have all the answers, but you do need to know where the doors are.
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