Faculty Crisis Resources

How to Recognize a Student Who Is Struggling

You know your students. If something concerns you, trust your gut and err on the side of checking
in. It may turn out that nothing substantial is going on, but showing students you care is also a part
of supporting mental health. Students—like all of us—fare better when they feel seen, cared for, and
part of a community.

These are important signs to pay attention to, because they may indicate a student is struggling and
needs support:
Missed assignments
Repeated absences
Decline in academic performance
Reduced participation in class
Excessive fatigue
Poor personal hygiene
Inappropriate or exaggerated behavior
Alarming or worrisome content in assignments

How to Reach Out to a Struggling Student

DO:

-Find a way to speak privately to the student,
for instance after class when other students
have left, or in your office.

-Tell them what you are observing that makes
you concerned.

-Ask open-ended questions about how they
are doing.

-Let them know you are here to listen and
connect them to support if they need it.
-Share campus resources and ask if they need
support or help in accessing them.

-Report any concern that a student is at
immediate risk (see next page) to campus
authorities (BIT or CARE teams, counseling
center, or campus security).

DON’T:

-Underestimate the student’s
struggles. It is far better to check
in unnecessarily than to dismiss
a potentially harmful situation.

-Promise confidentiality—school
guidelines might require you
to report a student who is at
immediate risk of harming
themselves.

-Leave the student alone if you
feel they are at immediate
risk.

For more resources and information click Here: JED-Higher-Education-Faculty-Guide

To fill out a “Say Something Report” Click Here

To send students directly to timely care Click Here

Any question about this page, please  contact the Care Team