Introduction
Following the recent university tragedy in our country in the spring of 2007, faculty and staff at universities across the nation have expressed interest in knowing what they can do to play a more proactive role in helping distressed students get the help that they need.As faculty and staff here at CSUSB, you play a vital front line role in linking students to available resources. Although you are not required to respond to students' personal problems, this guide is designed as a resource to help you identify and assist the distressed/distressing student. In the following, you will find brief descriptions of common patterns of distressed/distressing behavior. Plus, the guide provides suggestions for how to respond in difficult situations - along with tips on what to avoid.
Our experience with faculty and staff indicates that you are often able and willing to help directly with many student problems. However, there will be times when you need additional assistance. The Psychological Counseling Center (PCC) staff is readily available for consultation by telephone or in person during such times. Briefly consulting with the PCC may help you sort out the relevant issues, explore alternative approaches, and find new ways to cope with the anxiety or stress you or the student may be experiencing.
The staff at the PCC is comprised of licensed clinical psychologists, licensed marriage and family therapists and supervised graduate trainees and interns.
California State University, San Bernardino boasts an enrollment of more than 16,000 students. Our statistics indicate that roughly 10 percent of students each year utilize the services of the PCC. The goal of the PCC is to provide professional counseling services to currently enrolled CSUSB students. Most students who utilize the center are free of any mental illness and may be experiencing a variety of difficulties including: stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, grief, trauma and substance abuse related problems. Students may attend a single session, but many students return for five to ten sessions with the same counselor. Counseling is completely confidential, and students are assured they will have privacy. Professors, deans and parents are not notified that a student is receiving counseling, unless a student requests such contact and signs a release permitting such. One exception is when a student poses a risk to self or others. When an individual's needs are beyond the scope of the PCC services, referral options may be provided. Couples may be seen as long as one member of the couple is a current and eligible student.
Faculty and Staff Guide for Responding to Distressed and Distressing Students (PDF)
