Recognize, Respond, Refer, Reflect
Step 1: Recognizing Signs of Distress
Stress and distress are common feelings for many students. Each student is going to have their own unique way of dealing with stressful experiences and their emotions. There are many different reasons why a student may approach you for support, or appear in need of support. Being able to recognize a student in distress is the first step.
Signs of stress or distress may include physical, emotional or behavioural, academic concerns and/or obvious expressions of safety concerns.
Safety Concerns
Examples include statements about suicide or death, suspicions or paranoia, threats towards/from others.
Emotions and Behaviours
Examples include evident anxiety; unusually withdrawn or animated; feelings of helplessness; crying; appear emotionless or calm; memory loss; unable to concentrate; seem hypervigilant or panic.
Physical Distress
Examples include exhaustion; falling asleep in class; visible change in appearance; or visible injuries.
Academic Concerns
Examples include concerning content on assignments; extreme perfectionism; extreme disorganization; repeated absences; missed assignments or exams.
| Requires Immediate Support | Requires Further Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Student | If a student has a plan or thoughts of: | If the student has thoughts of: |
| Concern |
|
Any indication of:
If you are concerned about the student’s feelings of:
|
| What To Do |
Seek immedate assistance and:
24-hours at 705-498-7244
|
Follow the Recognize, Respond, Refer, Reflect guidelines in this folder, and:
|
Step 2: Respond
A supportive response and approach can make all the difference, but that does not mean that it will come easy. This also does not mean that you need to be an expert. It is important to remember that it is okay to not have all the answers. Being aware of these simple steps can help you to provide a supportive response.
Starting the Conversation
- Meet in safe & private location
- Be open to listening
- Express your concern for the student
- Ensure the student is open to talking further
Provide a Supportive Referral
- Share that support is available
- Create an individual plan of next steps for student by providing support(s) listed in this folder, whom referral(s) being made to/ support person for student
- Summarize the plan including when you will follow up with the student
Listen and Respect Confidentiality
- Take a non-judgmental approach
- Validate feelings of stress
- Communicate any limits to confidentiality
- Limits may include concerns about student’s safety and/or professional responsibilities
Follow Up Plan
- Follow up based on your plan with the student
Step 3: Refer
Nipissing University Resources (705) 474-3450
Academic Advising
Academic Planning/Course Selection
x4358 A207
advising@nipissingu.ca
Campus Health Centre
Medical Concerns
705-474-7600 x5261 B205
Campus Security
Safety or Emergency Support x5555 B203
24-Hours 705-498-7244
security@nipissingu.ca
International Initiatives
International/Exchange Student Programs
x4321 B210
myinternational@nipissingu.ca
NipissingSafe App
Interactive, Mobile Safety App
sds@nipissingu.ca
Nipissing University Student Union
Food Security/Health Plan
x4801 F204/F205
info@nusu.com
Office of Indigenous Initiatives
Cultural Support
x4899 F215
biindgen@nipissingu.ca
Residence Life
Student Housing
x4855
residence@nipissingu.ca
Sexual Violence Prevention & Education
Referral & Support
x4075 B210
svsupport@nipissingu.ca
Student Accessibility Services
Academic Accommodations for Disabilities
x4362 B210
sas@nipissingu.ca
Student Counselling
Emotional or Mental Health Needs
x4507 B210
counselling@nipissingu.ca
Student Financial Services
Financial Support
x4419 G215
finance@nipissingu.ca
Student Intervention Services
Complex Concerns or Multiple Support Needs
x4605 B210
sis@nipissingu.ca
Student Learning & Transitions
Academic & Transition Support
x4459 B210
slt@nipissingu.ca
Student Success
Support for Student Success
www.nipissingu.ca/nusuccess
nusuccess@nipissingu.ca
Helplines
Amelia Rising (Sexual Violence Report Centre)
24-Hour Crisis Line
705-476-3355
ameliarising.ca
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
24-Hour Helpline 1-866-863-0511
Crisis Intervention Program
North Bay Regional Hospital
24-Hour Support
1-800-352-1141
Good2Talk
24-Hour Student Helpline
1-866-925-5454
Help for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
24-Hour Helpline
1-866-887-0015
Talk4Healing
24-Hour Indigenous Women’s Helpline
1-855-554-HEAL
Youth Line
LBGTT2Sq+ Peer Support Limited Hours
1-800-268-9688
Student Retention Alert
What Is It?
Student Retention Alert is a referral-based early alert program that provides timely support to students who may be facing challenges.
How Do I Use It?
- Log into WebAdvisor
- Select “Student Retention Alert” from the Faculty/Employee main menu
- Select Submit Student Concern
- Type the first and last name of the student or their Nipissing University student identification number (you may also choose to submit anonymously if this information is unknown)
Contact Us
Step 4: Reflect
What Type of Support Did I Provide?
Did the student require immediate assistance, a referral or follow-up? Was there a safety concern?
Did I Consider My Own Limits?
It is okay to not know the answer to a question and to set personal boundaries. Encourage students to call on other resources provided in this folder when possible.
How Am I Feeling?
It is common to feel upset or anxious after dealing with a student’s distress. Get help for yourself.
If you need to debrief, have a question or want to report a concern wtih a professional, please contact Student Intervention Specialist at x4605. Further support is available through your Employee Assistance Program (EAP), contact Human Resources for details.