A Guide to Helping Students Who are Distressed or Disruptive

College students of all ages face many stressors during college and faculty members are in a good position to identify students who have problems. Here are some general guidelines to help you when you encounter a student who is distressed or exhibits disruptive behavior. Identifying students who may have problems won’t get them in trouble but is the first step to getting help for them.  

High-Risk Behaviors

• Expressed intent to harm self or others
• Fighting or assaultive behavior
• Intense or uncontrollable anger
• Overt threats to kill
• Brandishing a weapon
• Suicide attempt or threat
• Drug or alcohol overdose
• Bizarre delusions or hallucinations

What to do: Call the ECU Police Department at 911 and describe the problem.  The ECU Police will respond as well as obtain assistance from other agencies (i.e. rescue or crisis intervention) as needed. 

Moderate-Risk Behaviors

Moderate-risk behaviors are not usually life-threatening but may be a sign that the student’s coping skills are being challenged. Examples of moderate-risk behaviors include:

• Withdrawal from friends or daily activities
• Indirect threats to self or others
• Irritability with others or acting out in anger
• Comments about weapons
• Increased isolation from friends
• Serious emotional distress
• Erratic behavior
• Expressing hopelessness or helplessness
• Disruptive classroom behavior
• Disturbing content in academic work
• Indications of alcohol or drug use interfering with academic or social performance

What to do: Document the behavior and refer the student or report the behavior at the earliest opportunity.  Students with these behaviors may be referred to the Center for Counseling and Student Development or the Dean of Students.  You may also make a report through the ECU Cares webpage (www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/dos/onlinereporting.cfm) or calling 252-737-5555.

The University Behavioral Concerns Committee receives reports about students of concern and provides assessment, coordination, and intervention planning to ensure that the students receive appropriate assistance.  The UBCC meets weekly and includes representatives from Academic and Student Affairs, faculty, ECU Police, risk management, and the University Attorney. 

Behaviors of Concern

Some students will have behaviors that interfere with their academic or personal success but are not likely to indicate a risk to life and safety. Examples of behaviors of concern might include:

• Frequent class absences
• Falling asleep in class
• Difficulty adjusting to college life
• Changes in appearance or personal hygiene
• Significant time management/procrastination issues
• Uncooperative

What to do: Often you can help students exhibiting behaviors of concern by listening, giving basic advice, and making referrals to campus resources to help them.  If the student needs more support than you can provide you can make a referral to the Center for Counseling and Student Development (252-328-6661) or to the Dean of Students (252-328-9297).  You may also report students of concern to ECU Cares at 252-737-5555 or through the ECU Cares website (www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/dos/onlinereporting.cfm).  Some students may benefit by referral for academic assistance (i.e. advising, tutoring, or your associate dean). 

Helpful Resources

Center for Counseling and Student Development: The staff of professionally trained psychologists and counselors provides individual and group counseling and crisis intervention for students experiencing personal or emotional problems.  Call 252-328-6661.

ECU Cares: An online and telephone mechanism to report students whose behavior you are concerned about to the Dean of Students Office for further follow-up.  You can call 252-737-5555 or go online at www.ecu.edu/cs-studentlife/dos/onlinereporting.cfm.

ECU Police: ECU Police are the campus first responders who should be notified if you are concerned about imminent danger.  The police will also obtain any additional emergency assistance.  Call 911 for an emergency or 252-328-6787 for non-emergency consultation.

Dean of Students: The office of the Dean of Students provides assistance and coordination of services to students, parents, and members of the faculty and staff.  The Dean of Students is the chair of the Student Safety and Concerns Committee which provides assessment and coordinates intervention for students of concern.  Call 252-328-9297.

Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities: The Office promotes students' awareness and understanding of their rights and responsibilities as community members and addresses issues of student conduct and academic integrity.  Call 252-328-6824.

Student Health Services: Provides primary health care services to students.  Call 252-328-6841.

Academic Department Chair / School Director / Dean / Associate Dean: Faculty members should always notify their department chair / school director about students of concern.  Unit administrators should be consulted if faculty members are considering use of the Disruptive Academic Behavior policy.  Most colleges have an associate dean who can provide assistance with student behavior and academic issues.

Report Person of Concern

The purpose of this reporting form is to notify the Dean of Students Office of a person that may potentially pose a threat to the ECU campus community.  The Dean of Students Office follows up on all reported potential threats.  A Dean of Students Case Manager will make contact with all necessary parties related to this report.  If you have any questions regarding filing an incident report, please contact the Dean of Students Office at 252-328-9297.