Responding To Students In Distress: For Staff & Faculty

Responding to Students in Distress: Process & Suggestions for UofG Staff/Faculty

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

Possible Support

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

NEEDS A RESPONSE TODAY

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

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE REQUIRED

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

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.
  • 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. 

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:  

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 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 provides addictions, mental health and crisis services through 12 regional agencies: 1-844-437-3247
    • Crisis Text Line: 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 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 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 provides addictions, mental health and crisis services through 12 regional agencies: 1-844-437-3247
    • Crisis Text Line: text "UofG" to 686868
  • Call 911

 

Explore additional online resources: 

Student Wellness Resources: