Helping Students in Distress
A Quick Guide for Faculty and Staff
Life at Boston University can be very stressful for students as they face the challenge of a highly competitive academic environment and begin to assume adult roles and responsibilities. Many students come to college with family difficulties, financial problems, or other struggles that challenge their ability to succeed in this environment.
Faculty and staff are often the first to witness early signs of distress as they are played out on campus in classrooms and residence halls. Students may initially seek assistance from faculty and staff members, particularly when they perceive you as available and willing to listen. In addition to the support you can provide, there are also professional support services available to students on campus through the Dean of Students and Behavioral Medicine. Both staffs are available to consult with you about providing a student with the help that he or she may need. Privacy laws do not preclude you from reaching out to express your concern about a student in distress.
