Helping Students in Distress

Many college students experience challenges related to academics, family, friendships, work, finances, loneliness, homesickness and mental and physical illness.  This is common!  A majority of the time, students are able to successfully manage the challenges and demands of college life, but for some students these challenges become overwhelming and unmanageable on their own.

IUPUI has a new guide for faculty and staff called "Helping Students in Distress."  This guide helps faculty and staff members recognize indicators that a student may be in distress (or in a crisis), know what they can do to help a student in distress or crisis, and know where to find more information and assistance. 

The expression of concern and support a faculty or staff member may provide to a student could make a critical difference in not only their academic career but also their personal life.  This guide provides suggestions on actions to take and where to seek more assistance.

A group has also been formed of faculty and staff at IUPUI to review reports of disruptive or concerning behavior displayed by any member of the IUPUI community - faculty, staff, and students.  The Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT) provides consultation, makes recommendations for action, and coordinates campus resources in response to such reports.

Examples of such behaviors of concern include, but are not limited to:
• Behavior that appears to be dangerous or threatening to oneself or others.
• Bizarre or strange behavior such as acting “out of touch” with reality.
• Angry, hostile, or abusive behavior.
• Other behavior that is inappropriate, worrisome, or disruptive.

The BCT has a new website:  http://bct.iupui.edu.  Check it out!