Assisting the Troubled or Troubling Student

Assisting the Troubled and/or Troubling Student
University Health, Wellness and Counseling Services
131 Millennium Student Center, 516-5711

“TROUBLED” OR DISTRESSED STUDENTS:

Their problems are primarily internal and affect their own adjustment to the university environment and their academic achievement.

May show tendency to withdraw, or to set self in opposition to others.

They may exhibit some patterns of behavior that are outside the bounds of accepted norms.

They may or may not verbalize problems to you. Problems may manifest themselves in written work or non-verbal behavior. For example, written work may have disturbing, suicidal or homicidal content.

Possible Interventions with the “Troubled” Student:

Always take statements of suicidal or homicidal intent seriously--get consultation immediately, even if it seems like a “bid for attention,” or “just a cry for help.” When there is an immediate physical threat, call Campus Police, X 5155 ( or 911)

Speak with the student, acknowledge any “cry for help” (if appropriate) and express your concerns.

You are invited to consult with the Counseling staff about how to proceed. In emergencies, this may include our staff coming to your office. We are also available to look over disturbing written material, on a confidential basis.

Refer the student to UHWCS for counseling, or encourage them to contact their current or past therapist/psychiatrist (if the student offers this information.) We are available to coach you through making a referral.

Avoid confusing your responsibility as a faculty member with the role of therapist. The student’s issues might take you into areas beyond your comfort, expertise and/or appropriate personal boundaries, and might be seen by other students as compromising your objectivity.

Realize that sometimes verbal or written expressions of shocking, graphic or bizarre thoughts my not be evidence of danger to self or others. Other possible explanations include: a) intended to emotionally shock you; b) an expression of student culture (e.g., dark, depressing thoughts may be seen as “cool,” or “deep”); c) intended to camouflage academic deficiencies, or be an excuse for not fulfilling an assignment. UHWCS psychologists are available to consult with you and help you sort this out.

Consult with Disability Access Services (if you have received an accommodations letter on a student) regarding the specifics of what you are required to provide for a student with an “invisible” disability.

“TROUBLING” OR DISRUPTIVE STUDENTS:

Their outward behavior is problematic, causing disruption in the classroom and/or campus environment. Their behavior may be immature, manipulative or anti-social.

Their behavior tends not improve, even with learning/experience (e.g., reminders and routine interventions from you).

They do not show clear signs of serious psychological disturbance (although difficulties may be of psychological nature.)

Possible Interventions with the “Troubling” student:

When there is immediate physical threat, call Campus Police, X 5155 ( or 911)

When physical violence seems possible, but not immediate, develop a safety plan for yourself and your students.

When possible, it’s best to talk privately to the student about the behavior.

Discuss your concerns with your chair and/or Dean.

Notify the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (Dean of Students, X 5211) when there is a possible violation of the Student Conduct Code.

Get to know the Student Conduct Code to understand students’ responsibilities and consequences of their disruptive behavior.

Consult with Counseling Services staff regarding behavior management.

Characteristics of “Troubled and Troubling” (Combination) Students:

Demonstrates behaviors that are a problem both for self and others.

Both patterns warrant assessment and intervention.

Possible Interventions with the combination student:

Regardless of whether the student is “troubled,” always address safety issues first.

Ruling out psychopathology is a helpful first step (with the aid of UHWCS staff or an external evaluation). For some students, taking or resuming appropriate and adequate medication (referral back to psychiatrist) can lead to surprisingly rapid amelioration of disruptive behavior.

All interventions above, from both “Troubled” and “Troubling” students.

Adapted from the work of Ursula Delworth "Dealing with the Behavioral and Psychological Problems of Students” (New Directions for Student Services, No 45)

Revised 08/2011