Distressed Student Protocol

Distressed Student Protocol

Our campus has implemented a new Distressed Student Protocol to ensure a coordinated and compassionate response to any student experiencing distress. This protocol applies to a wide range of concerns, including mental health challenges, medical issues, behavioral concerns, and potential conduct violations. Faculty, staff, students and guests are encouraged to report any signs of distress or concerning behavior through this system.

Response Protocol

IS THERE A DANGER TO SELF OR OTHERS?

YES

Signs and Symptoms

- Student is a danger
to self or others

Response

CALL 911

Complete a 鈥淩eport a Concern鈥 form which will be forwarded to Behavioral Support Staff

I'M NOT SURE

Signs and Symptoms

- Aggressive behavior
-Panic attacks
- Loss of contact with reality or highly irrational thinking
- Excessive substance abuse
- Extreme emotional distress (ex. excessive crying)

Response

CALL CAMPUS SECURITY

PINEHURST: 910-695-3831
HOKE: 910-878-5802, notify your supervisor or college official.

Complete a 鈥淩eport a Concern鈥 form which will be forwarded to Behavioral Support Staff

NO

Signs and Symptoms

- Depressed
- Highly anxious
- Withdrawing
- Poor hygiene
- Appears tired or distracted
- Uncharacteristic changes in academic performance and attendance
- Pushes the limits of decorum

Response

Complete a 鈥淩eport a
Concern鈥 form

This will be forwarded to Behavioral Support Staff

The student is having academic or personal issues. Refer the student to an appropriate campus resource (see next
page)

*For a printer friendly version of the Distressed Student Protocol, please visit the .

Report a Concern

Faculty, staff, students, and guests are encouraged to use the online reporting form to report behavior that they perceive as concerning, worrisome, or harmful.

REPORT A CONCERN

Resources

  • Counseling Services: (910) 695-3968
  • Campus Security: Pinehurst: 910-695-3831
  • Hoke: 910-878-5802
  • Tutoring Center and Drop-in Labs: 910-695-3948
  • Title IX/Sexual Assault: 910-695-3979
  • Food and Toiletries Pantry: 910-695-3955
  • Pinehurst: 910-695-3858
  • Hoke: 910-875-8589
  • More Than A Job-NC (for students on government assistance): 910-695-3917
  • Accessibility Services: 910-246-4138
  • Access to Achievement (self-identifying disabilities): 910-695-3809
  • 988- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
  • Veteran Crisis Line (988 Press 1) or Text 838255
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  • North Carolina Helpline Call: 800-451-9682 or Text: 919-999-6527
  • National Maternal Mental Health Hotline -call or text 1-833-852-6262
  • The Trevor Project - supporting LGBTQ students call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678
  • National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1-800-656-4673
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-7233

Tips

Prepare to Reach Out

  • Know the available campus resources and the referral process.
  • It is best if you can have a conversation with the student. If you decide not to
    have direct contact with the student, refer the incident to your supervisor or college official.

Connecting with the Student

  • Clearly express your concerns by focusing on
    the behavior in non judgmental terms.
  • Allow the student to talk as you engage in active listening.
  • Do not challenge or become argumentative
    with the student.
  • Ask directly if the student wants to hurt themselves or others. 鈥淎re you thinking of killing yourself?鈥 鈥淒o you want to end your life?鈥
  • Respect the student鈥檚 privacy without making
    false promises of confidentiality. Document all incidents and attempts to refer the situation.

Making a Referral

  • Recommend services and provide direct referrals; assist the student in contacting resources. If the student is suicidal, do
    not leave them alone. Call 911.
  • Frame any decision to seek and accept help as a wise choice.
  • Be frank with the student about your limits (time, expertise). Encourage and
    assist the student to make and keep any follow-up appointments, including a
    follow-up appointment with you.

 

For more information and resources, please visit our Counseling Services page.