How to Support Students
Recognize
Using the examples of distress below, determine if a student needs support. Reach out to one of the consultative resources below if you need assistance.
Respond
Speaking with students about personal issues can feel uncomfortable. When possible, find a time and location to speak with the students in private.
- Ask to have a conversation. Share what you have observed and why it is concerning. Express to the student that you care about their well-being .
- Let them know that you will keep their information private, but depending on the situation, you may be required to involve others.
- Ask open-ended questions to give the student an opportunity to express themselves and direct questions to help you evaluate their current level of distress or concern.
- Listen patiently and give space or pauses. Validate the students' feelings and experiences, without expressing judgment.
- Ask the student about suicidal thoughts directly, if they are implied. Do not worry about introducing the idea to them. Asking directly demonstrates you are confident and capable of helping.
Refer
Refer the student to the department that specializes in the support that they need, using the list of resources on this page. Reach out to Student Support and Case Management at 785-864-7022 for guidance if you cannot find the proper department. Submitting a CARE Referral ensures that the student's situation is assessed and referred to support resources.
Follow up with the student via email after the conversation and include links to the resources you discussed. Check in with the student again a few days after the conversation to demonstrate that you care, were paying attention to them, and remain ready to assist them.
Emergencies - Call 911
How to identify an emergency
An emergency is when:
- A student's conduct is clearly reckless, dangerous, or disorderly
- A student is threatening immediate harm to self or others
- A student reports to you that they are in danger
- The student has a life-threatening accident or injury
After 911 is called:
On campus: A KU Public Safety or campus police officer will respond.
Off-Campus: Lawrence Police Department will respond.
An officer will be dispatched to the scene as needed. Additional response or assistance will be based on the specific situation. Following emergency response, submit an incident report to Student Conduct and Community Standards or a CARE Referral to the Support and Care Referral Team.
Non-Emergencies
Indicators of students in distress
Trust that you know your students. If your gut tells you something's wrong with a student, it never hurts to check in with care or inquire about their well-being
- Uncharacteristically poor preparation/performance
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Excessive absence tardiness
- Excessive procrastination
- Many requests for extension/special considerations
- Written references to death, dying, or suicide
- Decline in personal hygiene
- Irritability, anxiety, and or panic
- Difficulty concentrating and disjointed thoughts
- Signs of self-injury or other physical injury
- Tiredness or reduced energy
- Withdrawing from social situations
- Dependency on you or others
- Complaints from others
- Inability to get along with others
- Disconnection from classmates
- Always asking for help with personal problems
- Uncharacteristically poor preparation/performance
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Excessive absence tardiness
- Excessive procrastination
- Many requests for extension/special considerations
- Written references to death, dying, or suicide
- Decline in personal hygiene
- Irritability, anxiety, and or panic
- Difficulty concentrating and disjointed thoughts
- Signs of self-injury or other physical injury
- Tiredness or reduced energy
- Withdrawing from social situations
- Dependency on you or others
- Complaints from others
- Inability to get along with others
- Disconnection from classmates
- Always asking for help with personal problems
Consultative Services
You are not alone. Reach out to these resources if you wish to consult before speaking with a student about whom you have concerns.
The Support and CARE Referral Team is an interdisciplinary team with experience and training to evaluate and assist students exhibiting concerning or distressing behaviors. You may request to consult with a member of the team by calling Student Affairs at 785-864-4060 or by submitting a CARE Referral.
Counseling & Psychological Services offers consultations regarding the student's emotional well-being and mental health. A mental health professional will be able to discuss the concern with you, how to approach the student, and how to refer them for a Jayhawk Check-In.
Interpersonal Violence, Discrimination, and Harassment
Mandatory Reporting
Most faculty, staff, student employees, and affiliates of the University of Kansas are mandatory reporters. A list of exempt employees can be found at the QR code to the left. Mandatory reporters are required to report incidents of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX (OCRTIX). If a student reports concerns about discrimination or sexual harassment, you should make clear your mandatory reporter status and report the discussion to OCRTIX.
CARE Services
If a student discloses that they have experienced sexual violence or harassment, stalking, or dating/relationship harm, encourage them to meet with confidential CARE Services for support and assistance. CARE Services staff are exempt from mandatory reporting, and are not required to report to university officials or the police.