Students in Distress
Any member of the University of Massachusetts Boston community may come into contact with a distressed student.
Many students come to the attention of faculty or staff through:
- journal entries;
- papers;
- or shifts in behavior, mood, appearances, etc.
Being aware of distress signals, methods of intervention, and sources of help for the student can help you assist the student.
The Office of the Dean of Students and the Behavioral Management Team is available to students, faculty, staff, and family members for consultation and referral.
Feel free to contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (617) 287-5899 to discuss any concerns or situations.
If you know a student you feel is distressed or distressing to others, please follow the three steps outlined in the Distressed and Distressing Student Protocol.
- Gather information on the student and the situation: look for psychological, physical, or academic warning signs.
- Assess the level of distress: Is this an urgent matter or is it important, but not urgent?
- Assess your own relationship with the student: Are you close enough to the student to approach him or her directly and discuss the situation, or would you feel more comfortable contacting the Dean of Students’ Office?
Click on the links below to learn more about the Distressed and Distressing Student Protocol.
- Take three steps to help determine an appropriate course of action. (PDF)
- Concerned about a distressed or distressing student? (PDF)
- Students of Concern (PDF)
For more information, please contact Office of the Dean of Students at 617.287.5899, or email dean.students@umb.edu.
