DISTRESSED, DISRUPTIVE, & DISTRESSED, DISRUPTIVE, & POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS STUDENTS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS STUDENTS Helping Faculty & Staff Develop Effective Responses to Students of Concern JOHN ACHTER, PH.D. LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST, DIRECTOR UW-STOUT COUNSELING CENTER Fall 2008
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DISTRESSED, DISRUPTIVE, & POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS STUDENTS Helping Faculty & Staff Develop Effective Responses to Students of Concern JOHN ACHTER, PH.D.
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Career indecision Identify confusionAdjustment problemsUnplanned pregnancyFamily issuesDeath/lossDiscrimination/
alienationLegal difficulties
NCHA/ACHA Student DataNCHA/ACHA Student Data% within the past school year. 2000 2002 2004 2006
Felt very sad 80.6 82.0 80.9 77.8
Felt depressed 44.4 44.8 45.1 42.2
Been diagnosed with depression 10.3 11.8 14.9 14.5
Seriously considered attempting suicide 9.5 10.0 10.1 9.4
Attempted suicide 1.5 1.6 1.4 1.4
*75% of college suicides occur among students who have not accessed counseling services*Beginning fall 2008, Stout will be requiring 3 sessions of assessment for students making suicide attempts or threats
Signs of Distress - AcademicSigns of Distress - Academic
Excessive absences or procrastinationWithdrawal/fatigue/sleeping in classAvoidance of or change in participationExcessive anxiety regarding performanceUncharacteristically poor preparation or
performanceRepeated requests for special
considerationUnusual or inappropriate expressions in
writing, drawing, or other coursework (note: if content is violent in nature, notify SOC)
Signs of Distress - BehavioralSigns of Distress - Behavioral
Change in mood (e.g., depressed or irritable)
Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
Difficulty concentratingPhysical complaints
(e.g., headaches, stomachaches)
Deterioration in hygiene and self-care
Dramatic weight loss or gain
Unusual or exaggerated emotional expression
Impaired/disjointed speech
Swollen or red eyesSmell of alcohol,
marijuana or signs of other drug use
Observable signs of injury
Signs of Distress - Signs of Distress - InterpersonalInterpersonalProblems with roommates, family, or
romantic partnersSignificant death or other lossSocial withdrawalDifficulty get along with othersFrequent conflicts with othersDependency on peers, staff or facultyConcerns and complaints from other
students
Video clip – Everything’s a Video clip – Everything’s a MessMess
Notice what signs and symptoms this professor sees and hears from the student that leads him to encourage the student to seek counseling services
suicidal thoughts and feelingsP - If the answer is yes, obtain
agreement to seek help R – Refer for professional assessmentDon’t promise secrecyAs always, listen, show concern, and
follow-up. Also take care of yourself!
The Disruptive StudentThe Disruptive StudentProblems with boundaries and
expectations; pushes the limitsIncivility/verbally lashing out or
intimidating others (including online)Overly demanding of faculty, staff, or
peersMakes hostile remarks out of turnDominates discussion/“takes over” classOver reaction to changes in policies or
setting reasonable limits
The Disruptive Student – what The Disruptive Student – what to doto doConfront directly and early by verbally
requesting that the student stop the behaviorIf behavior is in public and persists or escalates,
ask the student to leave the class or areaEstablish a time to talk privately, informing
student that their behavior needs to change and explaining consequences for not abiding
Postpone conversation if student is defiant or hostile
Document exact words and actions, including dates, times, & behaviors; keep emails, voicemails, etc.
Report concerns in a timely manner to DOS◦ “If you see something, say something” (NYC MTA)
The potentially dangerous The potentially dangerous studentstudent
Verbal or written threat of suicide, homicide or assaultive behaviors
Displays a firearm or other weaponUnusual interest in weapons, security, or
targetsApproval of violence to resolve problemsAttempts to harm selfPhysically confronts or attacks othersStalks or harasses othersSends threatening emails, letters, and
other correspondence
The potentially dangerous The potentially dangerous student – what to dostudent – what to do
Immediately contact University or Menomonie Police at 911
Contact department chair or supervisor for advice, support, and documentation
Inform the Dean of Students Office and consider filing a student behavior complaint
Consult with the Counseling Center to debrief and assist you, other staff, and students
Students of Concern TeamStudents of Concern TeamChaired by Dean of Students (232-1181)
with membership from Counseling Center, Disability Services, Student Health Services, University Housing, & University Police
They serve an important role as both a “vortex” for information, and also a multidisciplinary team of consultants
Can be of assistance with all three levels of concern, but most critically with the disruptive or potentially dangerous student
ResourcesResources
Campus:Students of Concern Team – 232-1181Dean of Students – 232-1181Counseling Center – 232-2468Health Services – 232-1314Stout Police – 232-2222MenomonieMenomonie Police – 911Red Cedar Medical Center – 235-5531National:1-800-SUICIDE (Hopeline network)1-800-273-TALK (Suicide Lifeline)
ResourcesResources
InternetCounseling Center (www.uwstout.edu/counsel)
Assisting Students During Emotional Distress: A Guide for Faculty and Staff (UW-RF document covers specific disorders & problem areas)