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Student Services Building

Response Protocol

Is the student a danger to self or others, or does the student need assistance for any reason?

Yes

Conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening, including self-harm or a medical emergency.

Call 911 and/or

Call Campus Safety: 209-575-6351

Unsure

Signs of distress are present, but I am unsure how serious it is. Our interaction has left me feeling uneasy or concerned.

Provide resources and refer or walk student to Counseling SSB 226. Consider BIT report.

No

The situation is not urgent, but the student is having personal or academic issues and could use more support/resources.

Provide resources and refer or walk student to Counseling SSB 226. Consider BIT report.

No

Actions are disruptive, may be intoxicated, or other violations of student code of conduct; sexual harassment; disciplinary action may be indicated.

Indicators

A student’s behavior, especially if it changes over time, may be an indicator of distress. You might be the first person to recognize signs of distress in a student, especially if you have frequent or prolonged contact with them. Trust your instincts if a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed, or threatened.

  • Sudden decline in quality of work or grades
  • Sudden repeated absences
  • Bizarre content in writings or presentations
  • Repeated classroom disruptions
  • Marked changes in physical appearance including deterioration in grooming, hygiene, or weight loss/gain
  • Excessive fatigue/sleep disturbance
  • Intoxication, hangovers, or smelling of alcohol
  • Disoriented
  • Unprovoked anger or hostility
  • Making implied or direct threats to harm self or others
  • Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, rage, worthlessness, isolation, despair, acting out, suicidal ideations/violent behavior
  • Unprovoked anger or hostility
  • Implied or direct threats to harm self or others
  • Stalking or harassing
  • Your gut feeling that there is a safety risk

See Something

MJC faculty and staff are in a unique position to demonstrate compassion for MJC students in distress.

Our students may feel alone, isolated, and even hopeless when faced with academic and life challenges. These
feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and may lead to difficulties coping and other serious consequences.

You may be the first person to SEE SOMETHING distressing in your students since you have frequent and prolonged contact with them.

Say Something

Students exhibiting troubling behaviors in your presence are likely having difficulties in various settings, including the classroom, with roommates, with family, and even in social settings. Trust your instincts and SAY SOMETHING if a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed, or threatened!

Do Something

Sometimes students cannot or will not turn to family or friends. DO SOMETHING! Your expression of concern may be a critical factor.

The purpose of this folder is to help recognize symptoms of student distress and help identify appropriate referrals to campus resources.

Interacting with Distressed Students

If in doubt about the seriousness of the situation the best strategy to support yourself and the other person is
to contact Campus Safety. Act soon-er rather than later to prevent uncomfortable situations from escalating
into crises or confrontations.

Distressed Student

  • Let the student know that you are concerned about them and would like to help.
  • Give them information on therapy through Health Services and offer to help them get scheduled AND/OR walk student to the Counseling Department.
  • Allow them to discuss their thoughts and feelings, which often helps relieve pressure.
  • Avoid offering lots of advice or solutions, but do direct to appropriate service for any specific need.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask directly about suicide: “Are you thinking about suicide/killing yourself?”
  • Stay safe and maintain the boundaries of your professional role. You are not a therapist.

Disruptive or Hostile Student

  • Ensure the safety of yourself and those present.
  • Be calm and non-confrontational to defuse and de-escalate the situation.
  • Set limits on inappropriate behavior, such as cursing or yelling. If the behavior persists, notify the student that disciplinary action may be taken.
  • Ask the student to leave. Call Campus Safety if there is a safety risk.
  • Report incident to appropriate service.

Campus Resources