Respond to a student in distress
Professors/instructors and academic administrative staff are often the first to notice a student in distress. The student’s behaviour doesn’t signal an immediate threat to themselves or others, but it is worrisome.
How to identify a student in distress
In general, the student is experiencing challenging life circumstances usually involving personal, academic and/or financial issues. Specific indicators include:
Academic
Frequent absences
Declining academic performance; missed assignments and deadlines
Written or creative work with disturbing themes or references
Emotional
Comments or statements indicating distress or self-harm
Disruptive behaviour, outbursts or aggressive comments
Appearing to be withdrawn, depress or anxious
Physical
Marked changes in appearance or hygiene
Substance abuse concerns
- Excessive fatigue and frequent illness
Making a referral to our office
- Listen to the student's concerns.
- Let them know that they can receive support through our office.
- With their consent, send an email to studentcare@torontomu.ca. In your email include:
- Their name and student ID;
- Program and year of study;
- Their contact information and their preferred method of contact - phone, email or text; and
- Provide some background information about the student’s situation.
- Our office will follow-up with them as soon as possible to set-up an appointment; typically within 24-48 hours not including weekends.