In addition to the students who express their concerns directly to you, there may be others whom you notice in distress or difficulty. In some cases you may be the first or only University employee to do so. For example, the student may look depressed, or become overly emotional about some minor event, or act very differently than is characteristic for her or him.

Speak to the student privately, objectively indicate what you have observed, ask how things are going, or ask if s/he would like you to provide information about services available on campus.

Students have the right to privacy and independence, including the right to decline help and the right not to discuss things. However, offers of information about services are congruent with those rights, and can be an expression of the University's caring.

If a student gives you reason to believe s/he is suicidal, dangerous, or seriously dysfunctional in some way, consult promptly with the course professor, who might then contact Health Services, Counselling Services, or other appropriate services.