Skip to main content

MCC Daily Tribune Archive

Faculty & Staff Resources for Responding to Disruptive and Distressed Students


In response to Mental Health Awareness Month, here is a list of some resources to help faculty and staff handle behavioral health issues in the classroom. Please contact the Counseling, International and Veteran services office for additional information.

Reporting potentially dangerous behavior:

If you are in the classroom and observe a potentially dangerous situation, you should call public safety at X2911 or X1414 at DCC to create an incident report.

Helping our students succeed (HOUSS) referral form
A great resource for faculty and staff is the HOUSS form which can be used to report concerns about students related to academics, classroom behavior, personal issues, and adjustment to college or financial issues.  Once submitted, the form is reviewed by staff in the vice president for student services office.  This form can be accessed at
www.monroecc.edu/go/houss or myMcc (employees, online forms, student services). 

The Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT)
There is also Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT) on campus that consists of behavioral health and student services professionals who discuss at-risk students and find appropriate resources and referrals for those students that need additional assistance. 

Recognizing distressed students:

Signs and symptoms of depression:
If you notice a student is feeling sad or depressed and symptoms continue for more than a two week period, it may be helpful to refer the student to a counselor.  Here are some symptoms of depression that you may want to be on the lookout for:

·         Reduced ability to concentrate

·         Decreased ability to experience happiness or pleasure

·         Apathy, loss of interest in things previously enjoyed

·         Poor personal hygiene

·         Loss of self-esteem or caring about things

·         Excessive guilt

·         Attendance issues (inability to motivate themselves)

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety:

While many students experience high levels of stress while in college, anxiety becomes a disorder when the symptoms become chronic and interfere with their daily lives and ability to function.  Students may develop panic attacks or specific phobias.  People suffering from chronic anxiety often report the following symptoms:

·         Muscle tension

·         Poor memory

·         Sweaty hands, upset stomach

·         Fear or confusion

·         Inability to relax

·         Constant worry

·         Shortness of breath, palpitations

How to help:

If you have students who are in distress, please contact the Counseling, International and Veteran Services office.  Counselors are trained to guide you through the process.  Here are some other helpful ways to intervene:

·         Talk with the student and let them know you are concerned

·         Do NOT promise confidentiality

·         Be accepting and non-judgmental

·         Commend the student for talking with you

·         Know your limit as a source of assistance

·         Encourage the student to contact the counseling office

·         If the student is accepting of counseling services, walk the student down to the office or call for an appointment X2030

·         Use the HOUSS student concern referral form online to inform student services

(This information was compiled by the vice president for student services office.  More information can be accessed in the “Responding to Disruptive and Distressed Students” guide for Monroe Community College faculty and staff booklet)

Follow our board on Pinterest!  It’s filled with helpful tips for managing college, along with a little fun and inspiration to make you smile.

Kara Kupinski
Counseling, International and Veteran Services
05/20/2013