October 16, 2024
Supporting students in distress
The time between mid-terms and fall break can be particularly stressful for students. Student Support and Accountability has resources to help faculty and staff who may be working with students in distress.
We encourage faculty to review the website on how to recognize signs of distress, start a conversation with a student and make a thoughtful referral to get the student connected with support. It is okay if you are not sure how to respond to someone in crisis, but it is not okay to do nothing. When in doubt, consider helping the student connect with the resources by walking them to the resource or calling over ahead of time to consult.
If you are working with a student who is actively in a crisis, please refer to the protocols on the Lafene Counseling and Psychological Services, or CAPS, website for students who need help now. If you do not feel comfortable engaging with the student, consider calling Student Support and Accountability or filling out the student of concern referral form so we can provide appropriate outreach and response. Do not assume someone else has already notified the university.
If you are unsure about what to do next or how to support a student, call Student Support and Accountability between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays at 785-532-6432, stop by 201 Holton Hall or email studentsupport@k-state.edu. We are here to help and are always available to consult.