Students in Distress
Help A Student In Distress
- Call Counseling Services and ask to speak to a counselor for consultation if you believe a student has a serious need for help now, but no one is in immediate danger.
- If the student is present, tell the student you would like to help and need to get guidance from someone more knowledgeable.
- You may choose to walk a student to Counseling Services for a crisis appointment during normal business hours from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Calling Counseling Services in advance is recommended (434) 223-6411.
- If unable to reach someone in Counseling Services, contact the Dean On Call at (434) 808-2446.
Counseling Services Know the Signs
Support a Student Who is Struggling
- If Not Urgent, Consult
- Make Contact
You are not expected to take on the role of counselor. You need only listen, care and offer referral information. Things To Consider:- Point out specifics you have observed, “I’ve noticed lately…”
- Listen attentively and encourage the student to talk, “Help me understand what you’re going through…”
- Ask the student if they are seeking any help currently or what they believe might be helpful to them.
- Avoid making promises of confidentiality. Confidentiality cannot be kept when a student is making threatening statements about themselves or others or in instances of mandatory Title IX reporting. You can tell a student you will respect their privacy to the extent possible.
- Refer
Explain the limitations of your knowledge and experience. You can be clear that referral does not mean that you are not interested and don’t care, rather that you want to get the student help/support they need. - Make a Report
If you are a student, email careteam@hsc.edu; if you are faculty or staff, complete an .
Know the Signs of Distress:
Safety Risk Indicators
- Written or verbal statements that mention despair, suicide or death
- Severe hopelessness, depression, isolation and withdrawal
- Aggressive and threatening statements or behaviors
Physical Indicators
- Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
- Excessive fatigue, exhaustion; falling asleep in class repeatedly
- Visible weight changes
- Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns
- Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, mental confusion
- Unusual inability to make eye contact
- Appears drunk or high
Behavioral and Emotional Indicators
- Direct statements indicating distress
- Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling or aggressive comments
- More withdrawn OR more animated than usual
- Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness; crying or tearfulness
- Expressions of severe anxiety or irritability
Academic Indicators
- Repeated absences/missed meetings
- Missing assignments
- Deterioration in quality of work
- Extreme disorganization/erratic performance
- Disturbing writing or references to violence or suicide
- Continual seeking of academic flexibility (extensions, make-up exams)
- Patterns of perfectionism
- Overblown or disproportionate response to grades
Campus Referrals
Help students get the help and support they need with the following student services
Every employee (including all faculty and staff) is required to report all allegations/concerns of sexual misconduct of which they become aware. This includes sexual assault, stalking, dating and domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual exploitation. Any time a student discloses to you that they have been the victim of sexual misconduct, or that they are aware of sexual misconduct that other 集美麻豆 students have experienced, you are required to immediately make a Deputy Title IX Coordinator aware.
Dr. Melissa Wood, Ed.D.
Director of Title IX, Access, and Student Advocacy
mwood@hsc.edu | (434) 223-6061
Dr. Rebecca Jayne, Ph.D.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Faculty)
rjayne@hsc.edu | (434) 223-6282
Desiree Nicholson, M.Ed.
Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Students)
dwashington@hsc.edu | (434) 223-6719
Sue Carter, SHRM-CP
Deputy Title IX Coordinator (Staff)
svcarter@hsc.edu | (434) 223-6220
Counseling Services is the primary mental health service for students at 集美麻豆. Services include clinical counseling, educational workshops, and consultations with faculty, staff, students, and parents. There is no charge for these services. To make an appointment or to consult with a counselor, call (434) 223-6411 or email counseling@hsc.edu.
Student Health Services is the primary health service for students at 集美麻豆. Each student has the right to treatment with dignity by professional medical staff that has experience in the care of college students. Services include clinical health care, educational workshops, and consultations with faculty, staff, students, and parents. There is no charge for these services. To make an appointment or to consult with one of the nurses, call (434) 223-6167 or email studenthealth@hsc.edu.
The mission of the Office of Academic Success (OAS) is to empower every student to excel academically and achieve their educational goals by providing an inclusive space and personalized support. Services are designed to provide holistic guidance and include academic counseling, academic skills workshops, advising, tutoring, and much more. For quickest service from Academic Success, please visit the Academic Success webpage.
Dr. Melissa Wood, Director of Title IX, Access, and Student Advocacy coordinates testing and other accommodations for students at all stages of their academic career who have long-term disabilities and related conditions such as learning disabilities, diagnosed psychological conditions, and chronic health conditions. You may contact Dr. Wood at mwood@hsc.edu or (434) 223-6061.