Troubled Student

How to know if a student might be troubled

A student who is troubled, confused, very sad, highly anxious, irritable, lacks motivation and/or concentration; has thoughts about not wanting to live; difficulties in interactions with others.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Students in distress may not be disruptive to others, but may exhibit behaviors which indicate something is problematic. They may also be reluctant or unable to acknowledge a need for personal help. Behaviors may include:

Marked changes in academic performance
Tardiness and excessive absences inconsistent with prior history
Withdrawal from and/or avoidance of participation in social activities, increased anxiety around exams or deadlines, difficulty working in teams
Changes in emotional states, e.g., sadness, crying, lethargy, irritability, rapid speech, preoccupied, increased and more intense disagreement with peers and instructor, sense of confusion
Changes in physical well-being, e.g. swollen eyes from crying, increased illnesses, poor self-hygiene, rapid weight loss/gain, sleeping in class
Repeated requests for special consideration, e.g., deadline extensions, changes in requirements, grade changes
Behaviors which may interfere with effective management of the learning environment, e.g., outbursts of anger, domination of discussion, derailing the focus of discourse
Communication in either oral, written, or electronic formats that may suggest a threat to one’s self or others

For students who are mildly or moderately troubled:

Address the situation on an individual level; consider having someone meet with you and student
Consult with the Dean of Students Office Campus Assistance and Resources for Empowerment (CARE) for assistance
Avoid offering confidentiality to the student should s/he wish to talk
Deal directly with the behavior according to classroom protocol; provide corrective feedback and offer to help
Encourage the student to use campus and community helping resources; offer to walk the student to assistance or call and make an appointment
Inform and consult with your supervisor

For students who are mildly or moderately troubled:

Listen and allow time to understand the scope of his or her concerns
Recommend campus services to the student. Remind the student that campus counseling services are confidential
Reassure the student it is an act of strength to seek help
Offer to help make the initial contact with the helping resource
If the student rejects referral, consult with the Counseling & Wellness Center or the Dean of Students Office