There is no wrong door. Rest assured, no matter what pathway you choose, the BC network of support is here for you. There are several right ways to reach out to students in a caring manner. The only risk is in doing nothing at all.

Emergency Contacts

Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC): 617-552–3310, extension 2

Recognizing Students in Distress

Academic Indicators 

  • Repeated absences 
  • Missed assignments, exams, or appointments
  • Deterioration in quality or quantity of work
  • Extreme disorganization or erratic performance 
  • Written or artistic expression of unusual violence, social isolation, despair or confusion, preoccupation with suicide or death
  • Continual seeking of special provisions (e.g., extensions on papers, make-up exams)
  • Patterns of perfectionism: (e.g. inability to accept any grade but an A)
  • Overblown or disproportionate response to grades or other evaluations

Behavioral and Emotional Indicators

  • Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or loss 
  • Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling or aggressive comments
  • Withdrawn from others, low motivation
  • Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness; crying or tearfulness
  • Expressions of severe anxiety or irritability
  • Excessively demanding or dependent behavior
  • Failure to respond to outreach by professors or staff 
  • Shakiness, tremors, fidgeting or pacing
  • More animated than usual, euphoria, overly enthusiastic

Physical Indicators

  • Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
  • Excessive fatigue, exhaustion, falling asleep in class repeatedly
  • Visible changes in weight, statements about change in appetite or sleep
  • Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns
  • Frequent or chronic illness
  • Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion 
  • Unusual inability to make eye contact 
  • Coming to class bleary-eyed or smelling of alcohol or marijuana 

Responding to Students in Distress

  1. Speak directly with the student
  2. Refer the student to the appropriate resource 
  3. When in doubt, consult

     When talking to the student directly: 

You will not be taking on the role of counselor. You need only to listen, care and offer resource referral information.

  • Meet individually and in a quiet place
  • Set a hopeful tone
  • Express your concern and caring
  • Point out specific behaviors you’ve observed
  • Listen attentively to the student’s response and encourage him or her to talk
  • Suggest resources and referrals
  • Avoid making promises of confidentiality
  • Plan for follow-up

Please note: Unless the student is suicidal or a danger to others, the ultimate decision to access resources belongs with the student. 

     When you refer the student directly:

Explain the limitations of your knowledge and experience. The referral resource has the resources to assist the student in a more appropriate manner.

  • Provide name, phone number and office location of the referral resource or walk the student to the referral resource
  • If you walk student to referral resource, inform the resource of your concerns. If the student is sent over without you, notify the resource of your concerns by phone prior to the student’s arrival.
  • Realize that your offer of help may be rejected
  • Keep the lines of communication open. Follow up with the student.

     When you consult, do so with one or more of these resources:

  • Your supervisor or co-worker Academic Advising
  • Department Chair or Associate Dean
  • Graduate Program Administrator 
  • University Counseling Services
  • University Health Services
  • Office of the Dean of Students
  • BC Police
  • Residential Life

Student of Concern Reporting Form

The Situation is Urgent if: 

  • There are written or verbal statements that mention despair, suicide, or death.
  • Severe hopelessness, depression, isolation and withdrawal
  • Statements that suggest the student is “going away for a long time” 

If a student is exhibiting any of these signs, s/he/they may pose an immediate danger to her/himself/themself. In this case, you should stay with the student and contact University Counseling Services at 617-552–3310.

After hours you can access the Psychological Emergency Clinician by calling 617-552-3310, press option 2.

The Situation is an Emergency if:

  • Physical or verbal aggression is directed at self, others, or property
  • The student is unresponsive to the external environment; he or she is: incoherent or passed out, dis-connected from reality/exhibiting psychosis, displaying outright disruptive behavior
  • The situation feels threatening or dangerous to you or others

If you are concerned about immediate threats to safety, call the BC Police: 617-552–4444.

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