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Recognize Indicators of Distress
Common indicators are listed throughout this site.However, students may present with indicators not listed, so consultation is always advisable.
Each situation is unique. Use the tips listed to determine the most appropriate response.
Refer the Student
Review various options to determine the appropriate next step. Browse the list of
resources inside to refer the student to the most appropriate campus resource.
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mandatory Reporting |
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In addition to referring a student to resources, sexual assault, sex discrimination or child abuse requires reporting by all UBalt employees. For questions regarding mandated reporting, please contact the Office of Government Relations which oversees the Sex Discrimination Policy. The office can be reached at 410.837.4533 or T9@ubalt.edu. |
Look for groupings, frequency, and severity of behaviors, not only isolated symptoms.
| Academic | Physical | Psychological | Safety Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
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Sudden decline in quality of work and grades |
Marked changes in physical appearance (e.g. poor grooming/hygiene or sudden weight loss/gain) |
Self- disclosure of personal distress (e.g. family problems, financial difficulties, assault, discrimination, legal difficulties) |
Verbal, written, or implied references to suicide, homicide, or assault, or self-harming behaviors. |
|
Frequent missed classes and assignments |
Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality |
Unusual/disproportionate emotional response to events |
Unprovoked anger or hostility/physical violence (e.g. shoving, grabbing, assaulting, use of weapon) |
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Disturbing content in writing or presentations |
Visibly intoxicated or smelling of alcohol or marijuana |
Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions |
Academic assignments dominated by themes of extreme hopelessness, helplessness, isolation, rage, despair, or violence |
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Classroom disruptions |
Rapid speech or erratic behavior |
Verbal abuse (e.g. taunting, badgering, intimidation) |
Stalking or harassing |
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Consistently seeking personal rather than professional advice |
Depressed or lethargic mood or functioning |
Expression of concern about the student by peers |
Communicating threats/disturbing comments via email, correspondence, texting or phone call |
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Multiple requests for extensions/special considerations (a change from prior functioning) |
Observable signs of injury (e.g. facial bruising or cuts) |
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Does not respond to requests for contact/meetings |
| Respond | ||
|---|---|---|
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Stay Safe |
Call the University Maryland, Baltimore Police Department or local law enforcement by calling 911 if there is an imminent danger to the student, you or anyone else. |
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Stay Calm |
Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself. Use a calm voice when talking and asking questions. |
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Take Your Time |
If this is NOT a dangerous situation requiring immediate attention, take time to think through what might be most helpful. |
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Seek Consultation & Assistance |
You are not alone. You can consult the Office of Student Support or contact The University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department for additional assistance. |
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Use Active Listening |
Make eye contact, give your full attention. Summarize what a student says to make sure you understand what is causing the distress or what they are asking for help with. |
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Ask Direct Questions |
Don’t be afraid to directly ask the student if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others (please note, by asking, you are not instilling the thought or increasing the likelihood of an act). |
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Be Aware of Environment |
Be thoughtful about limiting onlookers. Find the most appropriate place to sit down and have a conversation. |
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Give them Resources to Reach the Next Step |
Help get them connected to the next step (e.g. contact the academic advisor with the student to make an appointment.) Help them call the Office of Student Support or the Student Assistance Program to schedule an appointment. |
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Follow the decision tree to determine who to contact when you are concerned about a student who is distressed or disruptive. Emergency and Campus Resources are listed.
| Refer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Choose from the options below to determine who to contact when you are concerned about a student who is distressed or disruptive. Emergency and campus resources are listed below. | |||
| Is the student a danger to themselves/others OR does the student need some other assistance? | |||
| Yes |
The students conduct is clearly dangerous or threatening, including self-harm or harm to others. |
Call 911 for the University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department or local emergency personnel. |
|
|
No |
I am not concerned for the student's immediate safety, but they are having significant academic or personal issues and could use some support.
|
Refer student to an appropriate campus resource. |
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The student is with me currently and shows signs of distress, but it is not clear how serious it is. I feel uneasy and or/ really concerned about the student. |
Call the Office of Student Support. If the office is not open call the Student Assistance Program 1.800.327.2251. Then refer student to appropriate campus resource and submit a Compass Case Management Form. |
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|
Maybe |
The student is with me currently and shows signs of distress, but it is not clear how serious it is. I feel uneasy or really concerned about the student. |
Call the Office of Student Support. If the office is not open call the Student Assistance Program 1.800.327.2251. Then refer student to appropriate campus resource and submit a Compass Case Management Form. |
|
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The student is not with me currently, but I am concerned about what they said (in an email/call) OR what they did (acted bizarrely, were aggressive/disruptive) OR how they looked (unkempt, unwashed, or as if under the influence of drugs or alcohol) |
Submit a Compass Case Management Form and if you have questions or need additional support call the Office of Student Support |
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| Emergency Resources | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland, Baltimore Police Department |
911 |
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Student Assistance Program
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1.800.327.2251 |
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| Urgent Resources | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Office of Student Support
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410.837.4755 Academic Center 111 & 112 |
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Sex Discrimination
|
410.837.4553 Academic Center, 114 |
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| Additional Resources | |||
|---|---|---|---|
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Academic Advising or Assistance |
Provide support in scheduling and answer general questions about academic progress. Support in understanding academic policies or other nuances of course scheduling |
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| College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center |
410.837.5351 Academic Center Room 209 |
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| College of Public Affairs Advising Center |
410.837.5359 Liberal Arts and Policy Building, Room 111 |
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| Freshman Advising |
410.837.5915 Academic Center, Room 209 |
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| Merrick Advising Center |
410.837.4944 Business Center, Suite 142 |
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| School of Law Office of the Dean |
410.837.4458 Law Center, Suite 716 |
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OTHER RESOURCES |
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Robert L. Bogomolny Library
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410.837.4260 RLB Library 2nd Floor Walk in or schedule appointments using the Appointment Tool in the MyUBALT portal. |
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Campus Pantry
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410.837.4076 Student Center, 2nd Floor, Room 202A |
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Center for Student Engagement and Inclusion
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410.837.5419 Student Center, Lower Level Suite 002 |
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Disability and Access Services
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410.837.4755 Academic Center, Room 111 |
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Diversity and International Services
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410.837.5744 Student Center, Room 302 |
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Adapted from Penn State, University Park Red Folder
https://redfolder.psu.edu/
To Contact the Student Assistance Program:
1.800.327.2251
Mobile or Online Access: Apple, Google Play & Portal
Username: UBALT
For more information visit www.ubalt.edu/StudentAssistance