We encourage you to contact us promptly with any concerns about our students. Concerns may range from possible conduct or honor violations or concerns for the general welfare of a student. You may use the online report forms below to report matters, and we will follow up promptly. You also may contact William & Mary Police at 757-221-4596 if you have an imminent safety concern.
As a faculty or staff member, you are in a position to interact with students on a daily basis and often times form close relationships with students working in your major area of study. Given your on-going contact with students you are often the first to notice behavior changes or signs of distress. Your willingness to address a situation is often the encouragement a student needs to seek resources and assistance. In many cases a student's success may depend on early detection and intervention.
Guidelines for Interacting with Distressed Students
When you are dealing with students in crisis, actively listen and convey your concern and willingness to help. When you communicate with a student in distress be direct, honest, clear, and concise. Also:
Know your limits and the limitations of your role. You are not expected to act as a counselor or mental health professional.
Give the student time to talk about their situation by actively listening.
If you are concerned about your safety in a 1:1 setting with the student, invite an appropriate person to meet with you and the student (such as a department chair, associate dean, William & Mary police, or other individual).
Use a calm voice when talking with the student, even if their voice is raised or excitable.
When meeting with the student briefly acknowledge your observations and perceptions of their situation and express your concerns directly and honestly.
Strange and inappropriate behavior should not be ignored. Comment directly on what you have observed and share your concerns with the Dean of Students Office.
Signs of Distress
Threatening words or actions
Verbal or written threats to harm self or others
Substance abuse
Noticeable depression/anxiety
Drop in grades/deterioration in quality of work
Dangerous or risky behavior
Increased or noticeable restlessness
Deterioration in personal hygiene/appearance
Frequent or excessive missed classes or assignments
Erratic behavior
Bizarre behavior
Social isolation
Paranoia
Increased irritability
Confusion
Some Situations that Call for a Basic Safety Intervention First
Imminent physical threat
Loss of consciousness
Obvious intoxication
Significantly disruptive behavior
Evidence of acute self-injury
Indicators for Urgent Professional Assessment
Fear of losing control and possibly harming someone
Fear for her/his life or the life of someone they know
Sexual assault (must be reported per Title IX)
Physical assault
Suicidal thoughts, gestures, or attempts
Frequent panic attacks
Bingeing or purging frequently
Extreme self-injurious behavior (i.e. cutting or burning)
Thinking that is disorganized and incomprehensible
