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Student Distress

During the pandemic, students have experienced a learning disruption like never before. Your students' academic preparedness and readiness is likely to range more than past years. You can also expect a lower level of help-seeking behaviors. You can be there for your students by recognizing signs of distress and connecting them to the appropriate resource.

What Significant Distress Does

Significant distress disrupts a student’s ability to:

  • Work (academic or employment)
  • Engage in relationships
  • Complete routine activities

Common Signs of Distress

You may observe these common signs of distress in your students:

  • Changes in school performance
  • Lack of attendance or excessive lingering
  • Disruptive or “strange” behavior
  • Changes in speech—very fast or very low energy
  • Confusing comments or stories
  • Marked intolerance for differences or prejudice
  • Inappropriate interactions (through email, by phone, or in person)
  • Changes in overall energy level
  • Mood changes
  • Physical appearance/hygiene concerns
  • Repeated or severe signs of substance misuse
  • Severe sleep disturbance (falling asleep in class)
  • Self-report of distress or crisis
  • Expressed intent to harm self or others

If signs are recognized, it may be time to have a conversation with the student. Please remember:

  • Asking questions demonstrates caring.
  • Trust your intuition, err in favor of asking.
  • Be prepared to hear a student's story. 
    • Save time for this
    • Some privacy.

When inquiry confirms your concerns, "help” may be in form of:

  • Further discussions with you:
    • If you feel comfortable in a helping role with this student.
    • If you feel prepared, capable of helping with their problem.
  • Referral to someone/office better trained and prepared to meet the student’s needs.

Referrals

For urgent situations, including concerns about a missing student, call MUPD (513-529-2222).

When in doubt, call MUPD (513-529-2222).

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Classroom Medical Emergencies

For student medical emergencies that occur during class, please review this protocol.
Review Protocol
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Non-Emergency Concerns

Non-emergency concerns about students in distress should be submitted to the Dean of Students Office via the online Student Concern Management System.

When to Refer

  • The problem feels too much for you to deal with.
  • You know the student in a non-professional way.
  • You don’t feel you will be of help to them.
  • The student seems hesitant to talk with you about it.
  • The student asks for a referral.
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Contact Us

Dean of Students

110 Warfield Hall, 451 E. Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
513-529-1877