Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) partners with the Student Support and Advocacy CenterĀ to help address concerns about student behaviors that may raise safety and well-being issues.
When should I be concerned about my student?
Students respond to crises or stress in a variety of ways. While there is no universally definitive measure to identify a student of concern, there are a few common warning signs that may indicate distress or significant emotional concern in yourĀ student:
- Marked change in personal hygiene
- Apparent depression or lack of energy
- Marked nervousness, agitation, or irritability
- Withdrawal, indecisiveness and/or confusion
- Inappropriately aggressive or abrasive behavior
- Excessive procrastination and/or poorly prepared work
- Pattern of infrequent class attendance, little or no work completed
- Written/verbal comments suggesting thoughts about harm to self or others
- Bizarre, alarming statements, or evidence that a student is engaging in dangerous behaviors
What can I do?
Talk to your student ā Expressing concern is appropriate when:
- You feel comfortable doing so
- Your studentĀ is not experiencing a serious mental health crisis requiring immediate professional help to address safety concerns
If you choose to speak with your student, consider the following:
- Identify the right time and placeĀ to avoid interruptions.
- Do NOT promise confidentiality/secretsĀ because depending on what your studentĀ discloses you may have to alert professionals to make sure your studentĀ and others remain safe.
- Focus on the behaviors, not the person,Ā to minimize your studentāsĀ sensitivity and defensiveness when hearing feedback about themselves.
- Avoid judgmentĀ and keep your opinions private. Remember, your studentāsĀ behavior reflects their struggle to cope effectively with stress or difficult emotions.
- ListenĀ by speaking softly, not interrupting, maintaining eye contact, reflecting back what you are hearing, clarifying, and being patient.
- Suggest helpful resources including seeking support from CAPS.
- Reconnect and follow up on your studentās concerns.
Consult ā We recognize that helping your student in distress can be stressful and even overwhelming. Sometimes, your studentĀ may require professional help to adequately address their problems. For that reason, Mason provides a number of resources to support you and to ensure that your studentĀ receives the help they need. Below is the procedure forĀ reaching out to resources for your student.
If you feel there is immediate danger, call Mason Police promptly at either 9-1-1 (when on campus) or (703) 993-2810.
If you do not feel that your studentās concerns rise to the level of an emergency, please contactĀ theĀ Student Support and Advocacy CenterĀ atĀ (703) 993-3686 to discuss your concerns. Student SupportĀ may have had previous contact with your studentĀ and will be able to use your information toĀ develop an informed plan ofĀ action.
CAPSĀ is also available to consult whenever there is a difficult situation; please take advantage of this resource by calling (703) 993-2380 during business hours. Staff can address questions or concerns you have about your studentās well-being, including providing information on whereĀ to obtainĀ assistance and guidance about how to approach your student to help them get the support they need.
Counselors are not able to initiate contact with students, who are not active clients. Students need to contact CAPS to make an appointment for consultation/counseling services.Ā If you are concerned that your student will be unable to do this, you may walk them into our office to aid them in the first step of making an appointment or call when they are with you so that they can make an appointment at that time. If you have serious concerns about your student and do not feel they can follow through to help themselves, please contact theĀ Student Support and Advocacy Center.