Options when referring a student to a clinician…
· Unless it is an emergency, the option of counseling must be left up to the student.
· Encourage the student to call from your office to schedule an appointment at ext. 2146 (please do not refer to a specific clinician).
· You may walk the student to Counseling & Psychological Services or request that a clinician meet the student in your office in an emergency.
· If a student reports a sexual assault to you, the student can call the SMART Hotline (Sexual Misconduct and Assault Response Team) at 254-4045 or ext. 4045. It is a 24-hour confidential hotline. A clinician will respond.
· If a student informs you he/she has been a victim of sexual harassment, you or the student can contact Elise Harrison, Title IX Coordinator, at ext. 2146.
Fairfield University
Counseling & Psychological Services
Dolan West, Suite 120
(203) 254-4000
ext. 2146
In case of emergency: Public Safety 4090
Counseling & Psychological
Services 2146 Health Center 2241
SMART Hotline 4045
(Sexual Assault)
Title IX 2146
Counseling & Psychological Services Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Call ext. 2146 for an appointment
24-hour emergency coverage
Call ext. 4090 or 2241 to contact
the on-call clinician.
Recognizing Students
In Distress
A Guide for
Faculty and Staff
of the
Fairfield University Community
254-4000 ext. 2146
University students …
have many challenges to deal with during their academic experience. In addition to academic stress, there are other stressors such as being away from home, developing new relationships, handling the responsibilities of independent living, making decisions about an academic major and career planning, and their overall personal, intellectual, social, and spiritual growth.
The stress may manifest as depression, eating disorders, alcohol and other drug abuse, anxiety, and poor academic performance. Early identification of such issues will be a factor in helping students reach their full potential.
Faculty, staff, administrators, and residence life staff are in an excellent position to recognize students having trouble because of their regular contact. They are often the first people to initiate appropriate steps to help students. This brochure outlines some ways to assist Fairfield students and make appropriate referrals to Counseling & Psychological Services.
Recognizing a student
having trouble…
Is there evidence of:
· Problems with grades or a shift in academic performance?
· An inability to concentrate or memorize?
· Excessive absences, particularly when the student previously demonstrated good attendance?
· Unusual or marked changes in behavior (appearing overly emotional, anxious, distracted, argumentative, and/or avoiding social contact)?
· Health concerns, such as headaches, body aches, stomach problems, falling asleep in class or meetings, poor hygiene, marked weight gain or loss or preoccupation with weight/exercise?
· Alcohol or other drug abuse (red or swollen eyes, disorientation)?
· Depression, lethargy, poor self –esteem?
· Threatened or actual violence, hostility, or aggression?
· Loss of contact with reality?
· Suicidal or homicidal thoughts, threats, or actions?
Tips when talking to a student having trouble…
You may be the first contact for a student in distress. Here are a few guidelines in approaching students about your concerns.
· Talk with the student in private when neither of you is rushed.
· Maintain the student’s self esteem by listening with care and compassion.
· When appropriate, help the student identify the problem, talk about solutions,
and establish a plan of action.
· Check back periodically to assess progress and show interest.
In an emergency or difficult situation…
· Safety first! Always keep the student’s and your own safety in mind as you talk
to a distressed student.
· Remain calm, use a low and controlled
tone of voice.
· Seek assistance when necessary – Counseling & Psychological Services at
ext. 2146, Public Safety at ext. 4090.
· Stay with the student until help arrives.