Staff and Faculty Guide for Students of Concern

As a staff or faculty member you are in a perfect position to identify or intervene and refer students are disruptive or distressed and troubled.

Three main factors to take into consideration:

1. Extremity—frequency, duration, and multiplicity of distress markers.
2. egree of divergence from personal norm—how out of character?
3. Level of disruptiveness—for self and others.

Who is the Disruptive Student

• Outward behavior has become problematic – causes disruption in the classroom and/or campus environment.
• May exhibit immature or manipulative behavior.
• Behavior has not improved with reminders and routine intervention.
• Tends to be unable to improve with learning/experience.

Preventative Measures

• Decide what your limits of acceptable conduct are:
  • Lateness, sleeping in class, use of cell phones, eating in class, plagiarism, unrelated talking in class, unexcused exits.
• Set limits from the beginning:
  • Use course syllabus to state expectations.
  • Set first day “ground rules.
• Be a role model for the behavior you require for your students (e.g., be on time yourself.).
• Become familiar with the student conduct code and University's processes for discipline cases.
• Don't take the students' behavior personally.
  • Don't let them “hook” you.
  • Don't give them the power to judge you.
  • Understand that they are coming into the classroom with their own history and issues.

Who is the Distressed or Troubled Student

• Trouble students may exhibit a sudden change in academic performance , such as:
  • deteriorating class work,
  • excessive procrastination,
  • decrease in class attendance,
  • listlessness, lack of energy or falling asleep during class,
  • marked changes in personal hygiene,
  • impaired speech or garbled, disjointed thoughts,
  • high levels of irritability,
  • extreme difficulty making decisions,
  • dramatic weight loss or gain,
  • bizarre behavior inappropriate to the situation,
  • papers with themes of distress, hopelessness, violence, suicide or homicide, etc.,
  • normal emotions that are displayed to an extreme degree,
  • abuse of drugs and/or alcohol
• The student‘s problems are “internal” and impede adjustment to the college environment and academic achievement.
• The troubled student may exhibit patterns of behavior that are outside the bounds of accepted norms.
• The student may show tendency to withdraw or to set themselves in opposition to others. The may also become clingy and make excessive demands upon your time.
• The student may or may not verbalize problems to you; instead, problems may manifest themselves in written work or non-verbal behavior.

Possible Interventions for All Students of Concern

When in doubt consult Counseling or Disability Services.

• Always take statements of suicidal or homicidal intent seriously.
  • Make an immediate referral to the Counseling Center , even if it seems like a “bid for attention,” or “just a cry for help.”
• Talk to the student privately.
  • This will help avoid defensiveness and/or “acting out” in retribution.
  • Acknowledge any “cry for help” (if appropriate) and express your concerns.
• Listen carefully.
  • Convey your interest and concern to the student.
  • Take a non-defensive stance to try to understand where the student is coming from.
  • Repeat back the essence of what the student has said to show your understanding of the issues,
• Show and express your concern and interest.
  • Meet with the student to discuss disruptive behaviors, but also include discussion of their educational objectives and aspirations.
• Avoid criticizing or sounding too judgmental.
  • Focus on the behavior, not personality and don't use labels.
  • State clear expectations for appropriate behavior.
• Consult with Counseling Service as a resource and discuss a referral with the student.
  • If the student resists help and you are worried, call Counseling Services to discuss your concerns.
• Involve yourself only as far as you want to go.
  • When necessary, set clear behavioral expectations and then hold to them.
  • Avoid confusing your role of instructor with the role of therapist. (This might take you into areas beyond your comfort and expertise, and could be seen as compromising your objectivity in your role as an “evaluator.”).
• Document disruptive behavior for possible future reference.
  • Be sure to include name of student, date and time of incident, description of incident in behavioral terms using direct quotes where possible, and witnesses or other parties to the incident.

How to make a referral to Counseling Services

• Suggest that the student call or come in to make an appointment. Give the student the phone number and location.
• If you wish to assist the student directly, call Counseling Services while the student is in your office and let the student make the appointment. Give them paper and pen to write down the appointment information (time, date, counselor, location, etc.)
• If the situation appears to be an emergency, make sure to let the receptionist or counselor know this.
• Sometimes it is useful or even necessary for you to walk the student over to Counseling Services.
• If you are concerned about a student but are uncertain about the appropriateness of a referral, feel free to call Counseling Services for a consultation. This step can be crucial in preventing a crisis.

What Campus Support Services are Available to Staff and Faculty

Public Safety (ext. 2210) – When there is immediate physical threat, or any situation spiraling out of control (e.g., intoxication, unremitting verbal abuse), call Public Safety!

Counseling Services (ext. 2752)

• Counseling can provide crises services. If counselors are off-campus or unavailable Hiawatha Behavioral Health may be contacted at 800-839-9443
• Counseling may be contacted for a clarifying discussion regarding student behavior.
• Counselors can be present during discussions with student.

Disability Services (ext. 2355) – Disability Services staff can be present during discussions with student . You may contact Disability Services (if you have received an accommodations letter on a student) regarding the specifics of what you are required to provide for a student with an “invisible” disability.

Provost (ext. 2211) and/or Associate Provost (ext. 2267) – You can call for a clarifying discussion about Student Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures.

Department Chair – Contact Department Chair and/or a colleague for a clarifying discussion.