Helping Students of Concern
Different types of behaviors should elicit different responses depending upon the immediate threat and severity of the behavior.
High Risk Behaviors
These behaviors may indicate an imminent safety risk to the student or the community and require assistance from campus and community responders:
- Expressed intent to harm self or others
- Fighting or assaultive behavior
- Intense or uncontrollable anger
- Overt threats to kill
- Brandishing a weapon
- Suicide attempt or threat
- Drug or alcohol overdose
- Bizarre delusions or hallucinations
- Any other behavior that could result in an imminent threat to life or public safety
What to Do
Call LSUE Police and Security Department at (337) 550-1225 and/or 9-1-1 and describe the problem. The LSUE Police will respond and obtain assistance from other agencies as needed. Contact Cheryl Fruge’, Dean of Students Affairs at (337) 550-1218 or (337) 550-1219.
Moderate Risk Behaviors
Moderate-risk behaviors are not usually life-threatening but may be a sign that the student’s coping skills are being challenged. Examples of moderate-risk behaviors include:
- Withdrawal from friends or daily activities
- Indirect threats to self or others
- Irritability with others or acting out in anger
- Comments about weapons
- Increased isolation from friends
- Serious emotional distress
- Erratic behavior
- Expressing hopelessness or helplessness
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Disturbing content in academic work
- Indications of alcohol or drug use interfering with academic or social performance
What to Do
Document the behavior and submit a concern through LSUE Cares at the earliest opportunity. You may also make a referral by calling Student Affairs at (337) 550-1218 or (337) 550-1219.
Behaviors of Concern
Some students will have behaviors that interfere with their academic or personal success but are not likely to indicate a risk to life and safety. Examples of behaviors of concern might include:
- Frequent class absences
- Falling asleep in class
- Difficulty adjusting to college life
- Changes in appearance or personal hygiene
- Significant time management/procrastination issues
- Uncooperative
What to Do
Often you can help students exhibiting behaviors of concern by listening, giving basic advice, and making referrals to campus resources to help them. If the student needs more support than you can provide, you can submit a concern to LSUE Cares. You may also refer students of concern to the Acadian Medical Center Counselors in Wellness and Counseling on campus. Their number is (337) 948-1802, Science Building, 152. Students will soon be able to register for Counseling Services online via BetterMynd.
Counseling is free to all students via Acadian Medical Counselors and BetterMynd.
Some students may benefit by referral for academic assistance via Student Success (i.e. advising, tutoring, or your associate dean).