The following information should be used as a guideline for addressing students in distress or who may need mental health supports. Explore the various response options and resources available to students below.
Have you noticed signs of distress?
- Deterioration in attendance, quality of participation in school/activities or engagement
- Changes in personal hygiene and appearance
- Changes in behaviour or mood (increased anxiety, agitation, withdrawal)
- Direct/indirect reference to suicide or self-harm
- Talks a lot about their problems and feelings
- Others have expressed significant concern about this student
What is a Crisis? Learn how to identify crisis situations [1]
CAN WAIT 24 HOURS
A response can wait 24 hours (or the next business day) if:
- There is no perceived risk of harm to self or others
- Distress is limited to one area of a student's life
Learn More → Jump to section outlining the next steps for this scenario
RESPONSE TODAY
A response is needed today if:
- It's unclear if there is a potential risk of harm to self or others
- There is no immediate risk but the student is currently in distress and it may escalate
Learn More → Jump to section outlining the next steps for this scenario
[2]IMMEDIATE RESPONSE
An immediate response is required if:
- There is a threat of violence or harm to self or others or a safety risk for students or others.
- There is a direct or indirect reference to suicide.
- There is acute distress affecting the student’s ability to function.
Learn More → Jump to section outlining the next steps for this scenario
Next Steps:
Once you’ve identified a student is in distress, here are the steps for responding appropriately with the resources available to them on-campus from the University of Guelph.
A response can wait 24 hours (or next business day) if:
- There is no perceived risk of harm to self or others
- Distress is limited to one area of a student's life
Your role as a staff/faculty member:
- Inform student about available resources and tell them how to connect with a Student Wellness Navigator [3].
- Express concern and provide personal support by listening carefully to the student.
Who to contact:
- Connect a student with Student Wellness Services for support by calling 519-824-4120 Ext. 53244.
- As a staff/faculty member, you can also consult with a Student Wellness Staff by calling the same number. They will help you navigate the resources, answer questions & support a student to connect with services. Learn more. [4]
Explore additional resources online:
A response is needed today if:
-
It is unclear if there is a risk of harm to self or others
-
There is no perceived risk but Student is currently in distress and it may escalate
Your role as a staff/faculty member:
- Inform student about available resources like Same Day Drop-In Counselling [10], International & ELP Student Counselling Options [11], Peer-to-Peer Drop-in Support (Student Support Network) [12], Drop-in Counselling for Black Students and Students of Colour [13] and/or Self-Help Resources [14]. More listed below.
- Express concern and provide personal support by listening carefully to the student.
- Consult with Student Wellness Services or the Campus Safety Office [15] to determine whether there is a risk of harm and next steps by calling 519-840-5000 or 519-824-4120 ext. 52000 or text the Crisis Line by sending "UOFG" to 686868.
- Consult with Here 24/7 after 4:30pm. Here 24/7 [16] provides addictions, mental health and crisis services through 12 regional agencies: 1-844-437-3247
Who to contact:
- Student Wellness Services: 519-824-4120 ext. 53244 OR ext. 52131
- Campus Safety Office: 519-840-5000 or 519-824-4120 ext. 52000
- An IMPACT [17] worker is available on campus for emergency help Thursday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to midnight via the Campus Safety Office
- After Hours Support:
- Here 24/7 [16] provides addictions, mental health and crisis services through 12 regional agencies: 1-844-437-3247
- Crisis Text Line: [18] text "UofG" to 686868
An immediate response is required if:
- There is a threat of violence or harm to self or others or a safety risk for students or others.
- There is a direct or indirect reference to suicide.
- There is acute distress affecting the student’s ability to function.
Your role as a staff/faculty member:
- Express your concern for the student
- Contact Campus Safety Office [15] ext. 52000 or 519-840-5000
- The Campus Safety Office will assess the situation to ensure the safety of everyone involved and determine the best course of action.
Who to contact:
- Campus Safety Office: 519-840-5000 or 519-824-4120 ext. 52000
- An IMPACT [17] worker is available on campus for emergency help Thursday through Sunday, 2 p.m. to midnight via the Campus Safety Office
- After Hours Support:
- Here 24/7 [16] provides addictions, mental health and crisis services through 12 regional agencies: 1-844-437-3247
- Crisis Text Line: [18] text "UofG" to 686868
- Call 911
Explore additional online resources:
- Supporting Students in Crisis and/or Distress [5]
- University of Guelph Counselling: Staff & Faculty Resources [6]
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support & Education [7]
- Dealing with Disruptive Behaviour [8]
- Training & Consulting [9]
Student Wellness Resources:
- Student Health Services [19]
- Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support [20]
- Individual Counselling [21]
- Same Day Drop-In Counselling [10]
- Therapy Groups [22]
- International & ELP Student Counselling Options [11]
- Peer-to-Peer Drop-in Support (Student Support Network) [12]
- Drop-in Counselling for Black Students and Students of Colour [13]
- Self-Help Resources [14]
