As a member of the faculty or administrative staff, you may find yourself in a position to observe and to recognize changes in students which may signal emotional distress. Often a faculty member is the first or only person to notice when a student begins to display signs of a problem, and students often turn to faculty to share their concerns. You may observe changes in a student’s behavior, interactions with others, and progress or lack of progress in studio and class work. The following guidelines may assist you in recognizing some signs of distress, as well as you give you some direction to refer a student to RISD Counseling Services.

• Frequent excuses for incomplete work.
• Unexcused absences.
• Coming late or dozing in studio or class.
• Change in the quality of work.
• General sad or tense appearance or demeanor.
• Inappropriate responses such as talking off-subject or rambling.
• Distracted/disinterested behavior.

Everyone gets depressed from time to time - that's normal. However, a student who has an inability to concentrate and focus, appears sallow, appears to be lacking sleep, who withdraws from other students, or who cannot work may be experiencing something more serious.

A student who acts out would display a change in behavior from normal socially appropriate responses to behavior that is disruptive, overly antagonistic, short tempered, weepy and/or harmful to self.

Any message that indicates a person "wished they weren't here" should be taken seriously. Often students who are feeling suicidal will talk about death or may express these feelings in visual presentation or writing.

• Lateness and frequent absences.
• Deteriorating work and incomplete assignments.
• Leaving studio/class.
• Appearance of being hung over.
• Disruptive and/or inappropriate behavior.
• Strong odor of marijuana or alcohol.

If you notice that a student is displaying signs that may indicate a need for assistance, you should refer the student to the Counseling Services of the Student Development Office. You might introduce the subject in this manner: "There seems to be a personal problem which is affecting your well-being and academic progress. Often, students have found it helpful to talk with a counselor to gain some support in coping with their stress." Encourage the student to make contact with the office. While faculty support and interest are important to students, faculty are not expected to provide psychological counseling. Student Development and Counseling Services, College Building, 1st Floor. Phone: 454-6637.

Reassure the student that counselors adhere to the ethical standards of confidentiality and privacy within the limits of the law. It is important for you to be aware that although you are referring a student to a counselor, the counselor cannot provide you with information about the student unless the student has signed a written release form. No information about counseling is noted on a student's academic record.