Some Signs of Academic Distress
- Frequent absences from class
- Failure to complete or turn in assignments
- Disorganized, erratic or weak performance on quizzes, exams and/or class assignments
- Lack of class participation
- Lack of response to a professor’s attempts to communicate
- Continual seeking of special provisions (Examples: Late papers, extensions, postponed exam, etc. – Please do not provide accommodations without consulting first with Disability Resource Services)
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Talk with the student to assess their difficulties and determine ways in which you can assist
- File an Any Time Any Student warning
- Consult with the Center for Academic Excellence.
- Refer student to Disability Resource Services for accommodations or other services as appropriate
- Contact SOC for further assistance and to let them know about the situation in case additional action is needed
In addition to the above signs of academic distress, you may see signs of emotional distress.
Some Signs of Emotional Distress
- Extreme sadness, agitation or anxiety disproportionate to the circumstances
- Withdrawal from friends and former activities
- Inability to concentrate
- Difficulty coping with a loss or other stressors
- Change in sleep, eating, and/or personality
- Discomfort with minor changes in routines or plans
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Approach the individual in a warm and caring way to further assess the situation, offer assistance, and make a referral if necessary.
- Consult with UCS about the situation and the appropriate next steps.
- Refer the individual to UCS or other service as appropriate.
- Contact SOC for further assistance and let them know about the situation in case additional action is needed.
In addition to academic & emotional distress, you may see signs a student may present a threat of harm to self or others.
Some Signs of a Potential Threat of Harm to Self or Others
- Severe discomfort in social settings
- Incoherent and/or bizarre patterns of speech
- Significant abuse of substances
- Preoccupation with violence of weapons
- Lack of personal hygiene or appropriate self-care
- Indirect threat of violence or self-harm
- Writing, artwork, or presentations preoccupied with violent or self-destructive images
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Lack of empathy, emotional detachment
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Ensure clear guidelines are established regarding appropriate behavior in the class, work and interpersonal situations
- Consult with UCS about the situation to determine next steps. Next, report the situation to SOC as they may have additional information about the situation and can determine the most appropriate response.
Some Signs of Imminent Threat of Harm to Self or Others
- Giving away possessions and attempts to “say goodbye”
- Direct threats to harm themselves or others
- A well organized, detailed, and realistic plan to harm self or others
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!
- DPS is represented on SOC and will ensure SOC is aware of the situation and can follow-up
- If possible without placing yourself in danger or further agitating the individual, express concern for them and give them a safe environment to express their feelings.
Sample Situations of Immediate Threat of Harm to Self or Others
- An individual is in the process of a violent act toward themselves or others
- An unauthorized individual is in possession of a firearm on campus
- You observe an individual who is a victim of violence and the assailant may still be at large.
- An individual is threatening you and or others with a weapon
What Can You Do? (Care & Share)
- If possible to do so safely, Call 911 IMMEDIATELY!
- Ensure your own safety first and, if it is safe to do so, assist others.
- Become familiar with the emergency procedures found at police.truman.edu/emergency-procedures/
What Can You Do if You Aren’t Sure How Serious the Situation is?
- Contact a member of the Students of Concern (SOC) Group
- Share concerns through our report form or contact us.
Students of Concern is available to answer questions, provide resources, or present to groups.
Behavioral Referral Form Working with Distressed Students