Sent: 2020-08-24
From: EIU
To: Various Recipients
Subject: Helping Students in Distress
Fall 2020
Dear Faculty and Staff:
As we begin the Fall 2020 semester, we will undoubtedly face new challenges, and you may encounter students who are struggling. Typical warning signs that a student is in distress include, but are not limited to: nervousness, increased irritability or undue abrasive behavior, poorly-prepared work, change in attendance patterns, marked change in personal hygiene, excessive social isolation, or any other alarming behavior.
Everyone is impacted differently by the changes that have accompanied COVID-19. Many students have faced difficulties such as financial hardships, loss of a family member, unhealthy/toxic homes or living situations, increased isolation, and worsening symptoms of depression or anxiety. Students may still be experiencing the impacts of these difficulties, while also experiencing apprehension and anxiety about what is to come.
If you are interacting with students in a remote environment, you may experience a reduced ability to observe physical changes or concerns. Instead, you may notice changes in posts and messaging, such as excessive or inappropriate messaging, lack of respect for others, content that becomes negative or dark, or discussion posts that are unrelated, inappropriate, disoriented, or bizarre. You may also notice changes in attendance, such as not logging in, not responding to messages, or turning in assignments late or not at all.
If you identify these or other unusual signals in a student, we offer these guidelines in helping your students:
• Do not ignore unusual and/or inappropriate behavior. Share specific concerns about behavior with the student as quickly as possible. Inform the student that such behavior is distracting and inappropriate.
• Listen to the student. Request to talk with the student and listen carefully to the student. While respecting the student’s privacy, consider your comfort level and personal safety. If you choose to meet with a student in your office, you may ask a colleague to join you, but we also ask that you do so in a manner that practices masking and social distancing.
• Document your observations. Write detailed notes about the student’s behavior and your concerns. These notes can be extremely helpful when a student needs to be referred to another department for assistance.
