Guidelines for Identifying Students in Distress Excessive procrastination and very poorly prepared work, especially if inconsistent with previous work. Infrequent class attendance with little or no work completed. Dependency (e.g. the student hangs around or makes excessive appointments during office hours). Listlessness, lack of energy, or frequent falling asleep in class. Marked changes in personal hygiene. Impaired speech and disjointed thoughts. Repeated requests for special consideration (e.g. deadline extensions). Threats to others. Expressed suicidal thoughts (e.g. referring to suicide as a current option). Excessive weight gain or loss. Behavior which regularly interferes with effective class management. Frequent or high levels of irritable, unruly, abrasive, or aggressive behavior. Bizarre behavior that is obviously inappropriate for the situation (e.g. talking to something or someone that is not present). Students who appear overly nervous, tense, or tearful. Guidelines for Referring Students to the Counseling Center (non-emergency situations) Let the student know specifically what it is that concerns you. Make it clear that your referral represents your best judgment about what would help. Let the student know what to expect if he/she were to come to the Counseling Center. Feel free to consult with us if helpful. Let the student know that services are confidential. The counselor will inform the student of the limits of confidentiality at the beginning of the session. Let the student know it is his/her right to accept or not accept the referral. If the Student Agrees to the Referral Have the student call the Counseling Center (256.824.6203) to make an appointment, or call with the student present. You have the option to walk with the student to the Counseling Center (WH 329). It is helpful to inform the Counseling Center of your concerns regarding the student either by phone, in person, or in writing. If the student is unable to come in on his/her own, call the Counseling Center for assistance. If the student refuses the referral and you are worried about his/her safety, call the Counseling Center to consult. Remember that after the student’s appointment, the Counseling Center cannot discuss the student’s case with you without a release of information signed by the student. It can be helpful to follow-up with the student to let him/her know you are interested in how things are going. What Students can Expect Students will schedule an initial appointment, usually within the week. If the student needs services on the same day, a staff member will consult with the student to arrange an appointment. Students will meet with a counselor to discuss the issues of concern. The counselor will make an assessment of the situation and will help the student locate the appropriate services.