Faculty and Staff Guide

If you are referring the student for an administrative reason, please first contact Student Counseling Center Executive Director Jenna Silverman, PhD, at 410-328-8404. You also may want to consider consulting with your office of Student Affairs or University Counsel (410-706-5353) if disciplinary or judicial infractions are involved. If you have a student you would like to be seen at the SCC, we are happy to provide that student with an evaluation and treatment recommendations and assist the student in finding the resources they need.

Medical Leave of Absence

Students seeking a voluntary medical leave of absence for mental health reasons (MLOA) must follow their school or academic program’s policies and procedures for requesting and approving leave. Contact Executive Director Jenna Silverman, PhD, or Clinical Director Marquette Turner, PhD, at 410-328-8404 for any questions related to MLOA. 

Attendance Verification Requests

If the student requests it in writing, attendance verification is available. It provides only the date and time of attendance and no additional information.

Faculty and staff are often in the most direct position to identify students in distress. Moreover, in your role you are perceived by some students as role models, mentors, advisors, and a source of support. Your expression of interest and concern may be critical in helping a student re-establish the emotional equilibrium necessary for academic success.

Students, like anyone else, might experience a crisis when the stress exceeds their coping resources. While it is understandable that one might be upset, depressed, or anxious in a given situation, the following signs might indicate that the response is persistent and more than just "situational."

Academic signs

• Decline in quality of course work and class participation
• Deficient reading speed or comprehension
• Poor study habits
• Disruptive behavior in class
• Incapacitating test anxiety
• Repeated requests for special consideration
• Increased absences from class
• Creative work or writings indicating extreme hopelessness, despair, anger, or isolation
• Lack of alternative goals when failing
• Chronic indecisiveness or choice conflict

Physical signs 

• Dramatic weight loss or gain
• Poor personal hygiene
• Attending class appearing bleary-eyed, hung over, or smelling of alcohol
• Deterioration in personal appearance
• Observable signs of an injury

Threat to safety signs

• Homicidal threats, expressed verbally or through written content (assignments, papers, etc.)
• Direct reference to suicide or indirect cues (assignments, papers, etc.)
• Behavioral cues suggesting a suicide plan (giving away possessions, suicide note, accessing means to kill oneself, etc.)
• Violent or extremely disruptive behavior
• Stalking behaviors
• Giving away treasured personal belongings
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

Suicide warning signs

• Homicidal threats, expressed verbally or through written content (assignments, papers, etc.)
• Direct reference to suicide or indirect cues (assignments, papers, etc.)
• Behavioral cues suggesting a suicide plan (giving away possessions, suicide note, accessing means to kill oneself, etc.)
• Violent or extremely disruptive behavior
• Stalking behaviors
• Giving away treasured personal belongings
• Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness

Interpersonal signs

• Isolation from friends, family, and classmates
• Unwillingness to communicate
• Inability to sleep or excessive sleep
• Unexplained crying or outbursts of anger
• Irritability, aggressiveness, agitation, nonstop talking
• Excessive or irrational worrying (at odds with reality or probability)
• Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that aren't there; beliefs or actions at odds with reality or probability)
• Poor communication (garbled and slurred speech, disjointed and unconnected thoughts)
• Feelings of shame, guilt and/or poor self esteem
• Irrational feelings of persecution

Stressor signs

• Problems with roommates, family, or romantic partners
• Experiencing a death of a significant other
• Experiencing a physical or sexual assault
• Experiencing discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disabilities
• Experiencing legal difficulties
• Any other problem or situation that is experienced as a loss or stress

Responding to distressed students

The best ways to respond depend upon the urgency of the situation. For students who are having difficulty, but seem able to cope fairly well, you may choose not to intervene, to limit your interaction to the classroom issue, or to deal with it on a more personal level. If you judge a situation to be more urgent or an emergency (e.g., threat to safety/high-risk cues), you can call the SCC to consult with a clinician or direct the student to the emergency room with the assistance of the campus police.

If there is concern for the safety of you, the student, or anyone else, first take appropriate action to protect you, any other potential victim, and the potentially dangerous student.

• If danger or an “out-of-control” situation appears imminent, contact Campus Police immediately at 988. This is the campus emergency number, and campus police will respond immediately and dispatch 911 emergency vehicles if necessary.
• If the person has already caused harm to themself (e.g., taken pills), call 988 immediately, not the Student Counseling Center.

Suicide Risk

Helping a student in your office

If you are worried that a student may be considering suicide, assess if you have seen any behaviors that cause concern for violence, the student's well-being, or that are significantly disruptive to the campus environment. Also use direct questioning to ask whether the person is considering killing themself, e.g., “Are you thinking about killing yourself?" or "Do you have any plans to commit suicide?"

These are difficult questions to ask, but many research studies have shown that asking them does not increase the risk of suicide. For people who are considering suicide, these questions will not furnish them with new ideas. Most people who are actively suicidal are more than willing to discuss their plan.  Conversely, many people consider suicide from time to time in passing. The less specific and lethal the plan (e.g., “I guess I’d take a couple sleeping pills sometime”), the less likely a suicide attempt. If someone is at immediate risk, do not leave the person alone. Remove all possible dangerous items from their presence.

Never agree to keep another person’s serious suicidal or homicidal thoughts a secret.  Actively help the person to seek help.

If you are concerned about a student's suicide or homicide potential, the Student Counseling Center is available for consultation. If the student is with you, they might be agreeable to speaking to a counselor directly on the phone.

You may determine, in consultation with the SCC, that it is in the student's best interest to go to the nearest emergency room instead of to the counseling center. Involving a family member or a close friend as early as possible in the process can help ensure a less stressful experience for the student by providing emotional support. They can sometimes even serve as an escort.

• Voluntary: If the student agrees voluntarily, you may determine it is in the student's best interest to go to the nearest emergency room. it is recommended that one of the escorts, family members, or friends stay with the student until they are admitted to a unit.
• Involuntary: If the student needs hospitalization on an involuntary basis, call the campus police (410-706-6882), and they will escort the student to nearest emergency room.

Helping a student elsewhere on campus or off campus

• Should you find yourself on the phone talking to a student whom you suspect may be considering suicide, there are important steps you can take to assess the immediacy of the situation. You can directly ask if they are thinking about killing themself. Professionals assess suicide potential, in part by asking:
• What the plan for suicide is — exactly how will they do it? Do they have access to a means such as pills or a weapon?
• When and where they intend to carry out the plan?
• If they’ve ever attempted suicide before. If yes, how and when.
• Other Useful Interventions:
• Consult with the Student Counseling Center at 410-328-8404 during working hours
• Ask to speak to anyone else who may be present with that person, or call the student’s emergency contact
• Call Campus Police at 410-706-6882 or 988
  
• Refer them to a local emergency room
• Consult with relevant emergency hotlines in the student’s current location

For further assistance

• If you have any questions or need to consult about a student, please call the SCC at 410-328-8404. We are open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. After 5 p.m., weekends or holidays, call 410-328-8404 and click option 7 to speak with an afterhours counselor. Additionally refer to the Crisis Resources page.

[Portions adapted from George Mason University Counseling and Psychological Services]

Faculty play a significant role in shaping a campus environment in supportive of student mental health. Leading a classroom discussion on the importance of counseling services, including information about mental health in the syllabus, and being open to talking to students about problems impacting their mental health, helps students know that how they feel is important and decreases stigma about asking for help.

SCC Staff have developed a mental health support statement for faculty members to consider adding to their course syllabi. Faculty may edit the statement as needed.

Please contact Dr. Jenna Silverman to receive a copy of the suggested statement.

ASSISTING STUDENTS IN DISTRESS 

Recognize | Respond | Refer

Response Protocol: Follow the chart to determine what to do when faced with a student in distress.

Is the student a danger to self or others, or does the student need immediate assistance for any reason?

NO

I am not concerned for the student’s immediate safety, but they are having significant academic and/ or personal issues and could use some support or additional resources.

Refer students to an appropriate resource. See front and back of folder for options.

NOT SURE

The student shows signs of distress, but I am not sure how serious it is. My interaction has left me feeling uneasy and/or very concerned about the student.

Call the Student Counseling Center at (410) 328-8404 Press 7 if after-hours After-Hours: Consult with your immediate supervisor/dean or contact Campus Police at 911 for non-emergency

YES

The student’s conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening and is suggestive of harm to self or others.

UMB Campus Police 911. After calling, inform your immediate supervisor or dean.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication about a student of concern in connection with a health and safety emergency. Observations of a student’s conduct or statements made by a student are not FERPA protected. Such information should be shared with appropriate consideration for student privacy.

CAMPUS RESOURCES

Student Counseling Center...........................................................(410) 328-8404 621 W. Lombard St., Suite 302, Baltimore, MD 21201 Same-day Appointment M-F at 2 p.m. umaryland.edu/counseling

Student Health Center.....................................................................(667) 214-2233

Campus Police........................................................................911 or (410) 706-6882

Support & Disability Services..................................(410) 706-5889

Title IX Coordinator...........................................................................(410) 706-2281

AFTER-HOURS CRISIS

UMB Student Counseling Center.................................(410) 328-8404, press 7 National Mental Health Emergency Line..........................................................988 Campus Police...........................................................................................................911

University of Maryland Campus Health........................................(667) 214-2233

Sheppard Pratt Psychiatric Urgent Care....................................(410) 938-5302

Baltimore City Crisis Response......................................................(410) 433-5175

Baltimore County Crisis Response.....................................................(410) 931-2214

UMMS Psychiatric ER.............................................................................(410) 328- 1219

SEXUAL ASSAULT/DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

TurnAround (24 hr Hotline)...............................................................(443) 279-0379

TurnAround (24 hr Hotline)...............................................................(443) 279-0379 House of Ruth.........................................................................................(410) 889-7884

MD Coalition Against Sexual Assault......................................................1-800-983-7273

RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline........................................1-800-656-4673

Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) hospitals:

Baltimore City – Mercy Hospital.......................................................(410) 333-9499

Baltimore County - GBMC...................................................................(410) 849-3323

UMB Student Counseling Center umaryland.edu/counseling

umaryland.edu/counseling

Adapted with permission from University of California Office of the President. Please see website for any questions, training-and-programs/faculty-and-staff-outreach/red-folder-initiative.html

Student Counseling Center umaryland.edu/counseling

RECOGNIZE RECOGNIZE Indicators of distress. Look for clusters, frequency, duration, and severity - not just symptoms.

Faculty and staff are in a unique position to demonstrate compassion for UMB students in distress. Students may feel alone, isolated, and even hopeless when faced with academic and life challenges. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance and may lead to dysfunctional coping and other serious consequences. You may be the first person to see something distressing in a student since you have frequent and prolonged contact with them. Below, you will find helpful information about how to recognize, respond to, and refer a student in distress.

ACADEMIC INDICATORS

Sudden decline in academic performance

Repeated absences or multiple requests for extensions

Concerning content in writing and other assignments

Conduct that interferes with classroom activity

Overly demanding of faculty/staff time and attention

Requests or requires more personal, rather than academic, counseling during office hours

Bizarre content in writings or presentations

SAFETY RISK INDICATORS

Unprovoked anger or hostility

Making direct or indirect threats of harm to self or others

Stalking or harassing

Threatening emails, phone calls, or other forms of correspondence

Makes references to suicide or death

Physical violence, fighting, shoving, grabbing, assault, use of a weapon

Academic assignments dominated by themes of rage, hopelessness, worthlessness, isolation, revenge, despair, violence, suicidal ideation

PSYCHOSOCIAL INDICATORS

Unusual or disproportional emotional response to events

Excessive tearfulness, panic reactions, irritability or apathy, hostility, and/or impulsiveness

Self-disclosure of personal issues like financial difficulties, family or relationship problems, contemplating suicide, losses

Expressions of concern shared by student’s peers

Verbal Aggression (e.g., taunts, badgers, or intimidates others)

Delusions and paranoia

Appears to be intoxicated in an academic setting

VICTIMIZATION INDICATORS

Asks not to work with a particular classmate during group assignments

Visible bruises on face or body

Expresses fear of a classmate

Sudden change in demeanor (e.g., formerly outgoing student becomes withdrawn, or formerly easy-going student becomes easily angered)

Overt reaction to topics of physical or sexual abuse in class

Student communication implies or indicates that student has been a victim of sexual assault, stalking, hazing, bullying, a hate crime, or any other form of physical violence

UMB Student Counseling Center umaryland.edu/counseling

RESPOND RECOGNIZE Your expression of concern may be critical when it comes to a student getting the support they need.

ACADEMIC RESPONSE

Don’t criticize or judge the student

Do talk to the student in private

Don’t assume a student is making excuses

Do work with the student to identify resources and make appropriate referrals

Do reassure the student that many students have reached out for and utilized help

Do know your limits by not involving yourself beyond your experience and training

Do give hope that things can get better and that there are people/resources there to help

Do help the student explore options and alternatives and outline your expectations, for example, “I’ve noticed ________, and I’m concerned. Are you aware that there are resources that can help you?

SAFETY RISK RESPONSE

Don’t ignore disruptive behavior or argue with the student

Do clearly express your concerns about the student’s behavior in a supportive way.

Do document all incidents and attempts to resolve the situation - be factual and objective

Don’t assume that the student’s conflict will resolve itself on its own

Do take threatening behaviors seriously and take immediate action

Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions, if references are made to suicide or dying, ask the student about it. Asking will not increase the risk of suicide, it will actually help them feel more understood

Do consult with your immediate supervisor or dean

PSYCHOSOCIAL RESPONSE

Don’t dismiss what the student is telling you - it could be a big deal to the student

Do explore the student’s support system

Do work with the student to identify resources and make appropriate referrals

Do know your boundaries and limits to avoid getting into a situation beyond your role

Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions, if references are made to suicide or dying, ask the student about it. Asking will not increase the risk of suicide, it will actually help them feel more understood

Do be proactive by engaging the student when signs of distress are noticed

Do document your interactions with the student and consult with your immediate supervisor or dean

VICTIMIZATION RESPONSE

Don’t say things like, “Are you sure?”

Do listen to and believe the student

Do say things like, “I’m glad you trusted me enough to talk to me”

Don’t blame the student by asking questions like ,“Why were you drinking so much?”

Don’t pressure the student to report to police or report to police for the student

Do respect the student’s privacy

Don’t make a referral and then end your involvement, set an appointment to follow up with the student

Don’t promise you won’t tell anyone

Do contact your Title IX coordinator to be informed of your rights and responsibilities as a member of the UMB community

REFER

ACADEMIC REFERRAL

Emergency: Call 988 or UMB Police at 911

Non-emergency: Student Counseling Center (410) 328-8404

Educational Support & Disability Services (410) 706- 5889

Academic Coaching (410) 706-6164

After-hours: Contact your immediate supervisor or dean for after-hours referral guidance.

SAFETY RISK REFERRAL

Emergency: Call 988 or UMB Police at 911

Non-emergency: Student Counseling Center (410) 328-8404

After-hours: Contact UMB campus Police at (410)-706-6882 for a non-emergency consultation and/or contact, SCC After-Hours Crisis Line (410) 328-8404, Option 7

PSYCHOSOCIAL REFERRAL

Emergency: Call 988 or UMB Police at 911

Non-emergency: Student Counseling Center (410) 328-8404

After-hours: Contact UMB campus Police at (410)-706-6882 for a non-emergency consultation and/or contact, SCC After-Hours Crisis Line (410) 328-8404, Option 7

VICTIMIZATION REFERRAL

Emergency: Call 988 or UMB Police at 911

Non-emergency: Student Counseling (410) 328-8404, Same-day M-F at 2 p.m. Office of Accountability and Compliance (410) 706-2281

After-hours: For Sexual assault or domestic violence, call TurnAround at (443) 279-0379, House of Ruth at (410) 889-7884, or SCC After- Hours Crisis Line (410) 328-8404, Option 7

ADDITIONAL RESOURCE INFORMATION

Title IX Sexual Harassment, Violence and Nondiscrimination

Mandated Reporting: If a UMB administrator, faculty, or staff member receives an oral or written complaint of sex-based discrimination, including sexual harassment/violence involving UMB faculty, staff, students or a UMB affiliate, that person has an affirmative responsibility to promptly inform UMB’s Title IX Coordinator who will respond in accordance to the UMB policy and procedures.

You may reach the Title IX Compliance Team or the Title IX Coordinator, at (410) 706-2281. To submit an online report form go to umaryland.edu/oac/report-a-concern/report-sexual-misconduct/.

Members of the UMB community may also file an anonymous report through the UMB Ethics Point Hotline: Dial toll-free: (866) 594-5220, or report online at www.ethicspoint.com and choose File a Report.

Need More Information? Please visit the websites below.

www.umaryland.edu/titleix www.umaryland.edu/oac/oac-services/

Behavioral Evaluation and Threat Assessment BETA/CARE Team

The (BETA) Team coordinates activities in response to reports of threatening, aggressive, or violent behavior. The team consists of representatives from various UMB offices and is chaired by a representative of the UMB Police Department.

Responsibilities of the BETA/CARE Team include: • Assess reports of threatening, aggressive, and violent behavior and develop a strategy and plan • Act as a resource and liaison for UMB community members who make a report • Make recommendations to deans and other school/department administrators • Coordinate BETA Team efforts with action under relevant UMB policies • Regularly review strategies and plans for ongoing incidents • Keep records to assess risk and to evaluate UMB responses to reports

Website: www.umaryland.edu/police/services/beta/the-beta-team/

Additional Resources

On Campus

Ride Service.....................................................................................................................(410) 706-6882

URec Fit and Wellness.............................................................................................................(410) 706-7529

International Services................................................................................................................(410) 706-7488

Writing Center..............................................................................................................................(410) 706-7725

Office of Accountability and Compliance............................................................................(410) 706-2281

Financial Assistance and Education......................................................................(410) 706-7347

Off Campus

Lawyer Assistance Program....................................................................................1-(888)-388-5459 Free mental health counseling for UMB Law Students

Center for Eating Disorders.....................................................................................................(410) 938-5000

Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ).........................................................................................................1 (866) 488-7386

Maryland Gambling Helpline..................................................................................................1-800-426-2537

Substance Use Treatment.........................................................................................................(410) 433-5175

Veterans Crisis Line.................................................................................................1-800-273-8255 (Press 1)

Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System...........................................1-800-463-6295, ext. 7324

Frequently Asked Questions

What about student privacy laws? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other student privacy regulations generally allow a university to disclose information to parents, police, or others whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

Who is able to complete a student Fitness for Duty Evaluation? A Fitness for Duty Evaluation, related to a student’s mental health, can only be completed by an off-campus treatment provider.

Where can a student get an assessment for Academic Accommodations? To apply for Academic Accommodations you should refer the student to Educational and Disability Services at (410) 706-5889.

Can you let me know if a student has seen you for counseling? Counselors can neither confirm nor deny if a student has utilized our services or provide any information without a student signing a release of information form. For any further questions about confidentiality, please call the student counseling center or visit our website at umaryland.edu/counseling.