Referrals

As a faculty or staff member, you may be one of the first to become aware of personal difficulties effecting a student. Consider referring a student to the Counseling Center if you notice any of these warning signs.

• A student seems excessively tired, anxious, depressed, irritable, angry or sad
• You find yourself doing more personal counseling than academic advising with a student
• A student seems hopeless or helpless
• You notice marked changes in a student's appearance or habits, for example, deterioration in grooming, hygiene, weight loss, interpersonal withdrawal, acceleration in activity or speech, or change in academic performance
• A student's thoughts or actions appear bizarre or unusual
• A student's use of alcohol or other substances interferes with her/his relationships or work

How to refer

If you notice any of these warning signs; inform the student of your concern in a straightforward, matter of fact manner. Be specific regarding the behavior patterns you have observed. Finally, suggest that she/he consider personal counseling and refer the student to the Counseling Center. Encourage the student to come to the Counseling Center during our regular hours. In addition, the individual can call us for an appointment. Except in emergencies, the student should be allowed the option of declining a referral for counseling.