Assisting Students in Distress

Due to your unique relationship with students they may approach you to talk about difficulties they are having. Your response will vary depending on your background, relationship with the student, and comfort level with the situation, but there are some general guidelines which will be helpful to keep in mind.

If you are engaged in a conversation you simply do not feel comfortable continuing or where you feel the student has expressed a risk of harm to themselves or others connect the student with one of the staff on campus trained in crisis intervention immediately.

• Kendra Weber: (507) 258-8008
• Nathan Tesch: (507) 258-8075
• Parry Telander: (507) 258-8023
• Anne Vande Berg: (507) 258-8065
• Emily Buehler: (507) 258-8080

These are situations when you should not hesitate to interrupt meetings, etc. so the student can receive immediate additional support.

Feel free to utilize these resources proactively if you unsure if, or how, to approach a student. More information is also available at http://www.mentalhealth.umn.edu/facstaff/, although be aware some of the resources may not be readily available on the Rochester campus. Please contact Assistant Vice Chancellor Kendra Weber for more information.