Step 1: Determining an Appropriate Course of Action
Gather Information
If a student expresses that he or she is personally troubled or is troubled by another student, take note of whether one or more of the following warning signs are present:
Behavioral Signs:
· Confusion or inability to make decisions
· Tearfulness
· Speaking out of turn or inappropriately in class
· Change in motivation or concentration
· Fatigue, lack of energy, or falling asleep in class
· Deterioration in personal hygiene, physical appearance, or
noticeable change in weight
· Difficulty working with others/connecting with peers
· Evidence of self-injury or abuse (cuts, bruises, missing patches
of hair, etc.)
· Evidence of alcohol or drug intoxication
· Appearance of being hungover (odor of alcohol, etc.)
· Hostility/irritability toward professor or peers
· Overt or indirect expressions of intent to harm or kill oneself
or others
Academic Signs:
· Inappropriate classroom or online behavior
· Deterioration in quality of work
· Missed/late assignments or repeated requests for extensions
· Alarming/disturbing content in writing or class discussions
· Missed appointments
· Continuous, perpetual procrastination
· Frequent, repeated tardiness or absences from class
· Decrease in or lack of engagement in group or participation-
oriented classes
· Continually not prepared for class