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Seton Hall University

Information for Faculty and Staff

What are common signs that a student may be in distress?

  • Chronic tardiness and/or lack of attendance
  • Incomplete assignments
  • Diminished motivation
  • Poor hygiene
  • Irritable, argumentative, and/or disruptive behavior in class
  • Low and/or elevated mood
  • Withdrawal from peers
  • Excessive anxiety, worry or panic
  • Suspected alcohol or drug use
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulties focusing and concentrating
  • Self-destructive thoughts or behaviors

How can I help a student in distress?

Because of your position as a university staff or faculty member, you may be called upon to help a student in need.  Students often develop close positive relationships with staff, teachers, and other university personnel.  With that in mind, you may be in a position to help respond when a student is struggling. It can often become overwhelming when assisting a student in crisis. Remember to listen and act!

  • When working with students in crisis, remember to be an active listener. Remove distractions (paperwork, phone calls) and give the student your full undivided attention.  This is not a time for judgment or directives.  Simply listen and offer comfort and support.
  • When working with someone in crisis, it is often helpful to maintain a calm, steady presence.  Speak slowly and clearly.  This can often help the student feel more relaxed.
  • Remind the student that they are not alone and provide them with support and resources that may be helpful to them.  Follow through to ensure that the student is directed to the appropriate referral source.

What resources are available through CAPS?

At times you may be faced with student issues that you feel ill-prepared to manage effectively. CAPS staff may be able to help. If you have a student who you are concerned about, you are encouraged to contact our office to consult with any one of our clinicians for assistance.  If you are concerned about a student and would like to speak to one of our clinicians, we can be reached at (973) 761-9500. There is always a staff member available for consultations about students of concern.

How do I help a student make an appointment for counseling?

If you are with a student in crisis, it is always recommended that you personally walk the student of concern to CAPS if possible. If you are unable to do so, and have concerns about the student's safety, you can call CAPS at (973) 761-9500 for additional assistance/ consultation. We have staff available for psychological emergencies 8:45 a.m. – 4:45 p.m., Monday-Friday. After hours, or on weekends, students or faculty should call the SHU 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 973-275-Help (4357) to speak with a trained mental health counselor.

Want to know more?

The staff at CAPS have been trained to provide Campus Connect, a highly interactive gatekeeper training program designed specifically for members of the university community who are in a position to provide assistance to students in distress and at risk for suicide. The experientially based training is designed to enhance participant’s knowledge, awareness, and skills concerning college student suicide. Specifically, Campus Connect aims to increase participant’s knowledge about suicide statistics, risk and protective factors, warning signs, and referral resources; to increase empathic listening skills, communication skills, and the ability to ask individuals if they are thinking about suicide; and to increase self-awareness concerning the potential emotional reactions gatekeepers may experience when interacting with students in crisis. Please contact CAPS if you would like to schedule a 2 hour training for your department.

You can also find more information about supporting students by visiting the Seton Hall University Suicide Prevention site. The site provides suicide prevention education, guidance, and resources for the Seton Hall community, including students, faculty/staff, and parents.

Remember, working with students in crisis can often feel overwhelming.  Please reach out to the CAPS staff for additional assistance and guidance when necessary.  We look forward to working with you.