Identifying & Referring Students in Difficulty

A student in difficulty is any student who encounters major obstacles to the successful completion of their educational goal.

• Emergency Situations
• After Hours Emergencies
• How To Assist A Student In Difficulty
• Situations Requiring Immediate Referral
• Other Situations Of Concerns
• Examples Of Situations That May Be Of Concern
• Okanagan College Resources
• Community Resources

 Download the Brochure  

1. When a student requires immediate help in a life-threatening situation, contact:
   Emergency Services: 911
   and Campus Security: Extension 6699 (on campus) or 250-762-7322

2. When a student is experiencing severe distress or severe psychological difficulties, contact:

   Regional Dean:	Direct Line	Assistant to Dean
   Central Okanagan (Kelowna):	Ext. 4789	Ext. 4501
   North Okanagan (Vernon):	Ext. 2206	Ext. 2205
   Shuswap-Revelstoke (Salmon Arm):	Ext. 8239	Ext. 8238
   South Okanagan-Similkameen (Penticton):	Ext. 3216	Ext. 3215

   You should identify yourself and indicate
   that you are dealing with a student in crisis.

Okanagan College appreciates the concern that faculty and staff have for the well being of students and values the role College employees play in identifying students who are in difficulty. Recognizing the signs of emotional distress and responding with interest and concern may be critical factors in helping students resolve the problems that are interfering with their educational achievement.

The booklet upon which this folder is based was designed to assist and support faculty and staff in this important function. It can be found in its entirety at http://XXXXXXXX If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions about this folder, or would like additional copies, please contact your Regional Dean’s Office.

MAKING A GOOD REFERRAL

1. Express concern without making generalizations or assumptions about the student. Be specific about the behavior that concerns you. For example, “I’ve noticed that you have been absent from class lately and I am concerned,” rather than “Where have you been lately? You should be more concerned about your grades.”
2. Listen carefully to the student as they describe their situation; ask questions so you can clarify your understanding of their specific needs. Let the student know that absolute confidentiality cannot be promised, but you will respect their privacy to the best of your ability.
3. Acknowledge the student’s thoughts and feelings in a sensitive, compassionate manner. Let the student know you understand what they are trying to communicate by reflecting back the essence of what they’ve said. (“It sounds like you’re not used to such a big campus and you’re feeling out of things.”)
4. Offer hope and reassure the student that things can get better.
5. Point out that help is available and seeking help is a sign of strength and courage rather than a sign of weakness or failure. Point out that seeking professional help for other problems (medical, legal, car problems, etc.) is considered good judgment and an appropriate use of resources. For example, “If you had a broken arm you would go to a doctor rather than try to set it yourself. “ Remember that except for emergencies, the option to accept or refuse assistance must be left up to the student. If they become defensive, don’t force the issue or trick them into going.
6. Research available resources.
   • Ask colleagues or supervisors for help or ideas.
   • Contact the office of the Regional Dean or the Director of Student Services and ask for recommendations on how to approach the situation and/or for referral to appropriate resources.
7. If the student appears hesitant or reluctant, you can help by:
   • Informing the student that there is no charge for student services.
   • Assuring them that disclosure and records can only be released with their written permission, within the limits of the law.
   Or help them with the appointment by:
   • Offering to contact the resource for the student while they are still in your office.
   • Offering to sit with the student while they make the initial contact call themselves.
   • Accompanying the student to the appointment, if appropriate and if you feel comfortable.
   If the student emphatically says “no”, then respect that decision. Try and leave the door open for later reconsideration.
8. Give the student printed information or write down the pertinent information for the student to take with them. Make sure if you have made an appointment, they have the contact name, number and location.
9. Offer to follow up with the student to ensure the referrals were effective, but don’t insist on knowing what the student has done.

1. DIRECT OR INDIRECT REFERENCE TO SUICIDE

   • Regardless of the circumstances or context, any reference to committing suicide should be taken very seriously and a mental health professional should be consulted.
   • Indirect references to suicide may include the following:
     • expressed feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or helplessness
     • feelings that the world, family, friends would be better off without them
     • unreasonable feelings of guilt

   In the event of an actual suicide attempt, immediately call Emergency Services at 911 and Okanagan College Campus Security at ext. 6699 (from any campus phone) or 250-762-7322 (from any phone) to request assistance and/or an ambulance.

2. VIOLENT AND THREATENING BEHAVIOUR

   [Refer to Okanagan College “Violent & Threatening Behavior Policy” – Policy # E.2.2]
   Intervention or response varies with the severity of the offending behaviour:
   • Immediate threat to safety or persons and/or property
     • Immediately contact the RCMP: Call 911
     • Contact Campus Security and the Regional Dean
   • No immediate threat to personal safety or property
     • Incident or situation shall be reported to the Regional Dean

3. DRUG AND ALCOHOL OVERDOSE OR REACTION

   • In the case of an apparent drug overdose or severe drug reaction, immediately call Emergency Services at 911 and Okanagan College Campus Security at ext 6699 or 250-762-7322 for assistance and/or an ambulance.

You may wish to ask for help when dealing with a student experiencing less urgent difficulty.

• If you are concerned about a student and are unsure whether or not to intervene.
• If you are uncertain about how to respond to a student’s request for help.
• If a student resists your efforts to assist/refer or you are uncomfortable with the situation.

1. DRUG AND ALCOHOL MISUSE

   • If a student appears to have a pattern of substance use, it is important to attempt to refer the student for professional assistance. However, be sure to speak to the student only when they are sober.

2. HARASSMENT OR OTHER ABUSE

   • Any issues related to sexual or personal harassment, physical or emotional abuse, stalking, or discrimination may require professional assistance or intervention.
   • Refer to Okanagan College “Harassment & Discrimination Policy” – Policy # E.2.1 – for principles, definitions, and procedures.

3. MARKED CHANGES IN MOOD OR BEHAVIOUR

   • Changes in normal behaviour including withdrawal from social interactions or academic work and notable changes in energy levels or appearance are common signs of psychological distress and professional treatment is recommended.

4. DIFFICULTIES COMMUNICATING AND/OR APPARENT DISTORTIONS OF REALITY

   • Communication troubles such as impaired speech and irrational conversation or distortions of reality such as disturbing material in academic assignments are all causes for concern and should be referred to the Regional Dean’s Office or the Director of Student Services to determine available assistance options.

5. LEARNING AND ACADEMIC PROBLEMS

   • Students who are having trouble learning, considering dropping out, transferring, or who are in jeopardy of failing may find assistance helpful in their decision-making.
   • Contact the Dean or Associate Dean of the program in which the student is enrolled.

Director of Student Services:

Counselling Services

Campus Health Centers:

Disability Services:

Financial Aid & Awards:

There are many community resources available to help our students when they are in difficulty. The appropriate resources, of course, vary according to the situation and its circumstances; and the types and availability of resources vary by community.

A small sample of available community resources is included below.

For a more complete listing of resources available in your community, consult the “Important Numbers” and “Community Guide” pages in the front section of your local telephone directory.

Ambulance, Fire & Police:

Crisis Line – For Person in Emotional Crisis:

Mental Health Centres:

Women’s Emergency Shelters:

LNWS1017 - Rev. 2009