Red Folder

The RED Folder is a guide to help faculty, staff, students, and other community members to recognize symptoms of student distress and identify appropriate referrals to campus resources.

Response Protocol

Follow the chart below to best determine who to contact when faced with a distressed or disruptive student.

Is someone in imminent danger?

Yes

The student’s conduct is clearly and imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous or threatening, including self-harm or medical emergency.

Call Public Safety’s Emergency Extension: 215.991.2111

Call 911

File a Standard Incident Report through the mylasalle portal.

Not Sure

The student shows signs of distress, but I am unsure how serious it is. My interaction has left me feeling uneasy and/or concerned.

Call Public Safety (215-951-1300)

Call Student Health Center (215-951-1565) or Student Counseling Center (215-951-1355)

File a Students of Concern Report through the mylasalle portal.

No

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

Call Student Health Center (215-951-1565) or Student Counseling Center (215-951-1355)

File a Students of Concern Report through the mylasalle portal.

Recognize, Respond, Refer: Steps to Helping Students

A student’s behavior may be an indicator of distress, especially if it changes over time. You may be the first person to notice signs of distress in a student. It is up to you to properly respond and refer the student to the appropriate resources for help. If a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed, or threatened: trust your instinct.

RECOGNIZE. La Salle University faculty and staff are in a unique position to recognize signs of distress in students because of their frequent and prolonged contact with them. Both undergraduate and graduate students may feel alone, isolated, or hopeless when faced with life challenges. These feelings can easily disrupt academic performance as students struggle to cope or face other serious consequences. Explorers Care encourages you to act with compassion when assisting students.

RESPOND. Students exhibiting troubling behaviors in your presence are likely struggling elsewhere, in settings like the classroom, with roommates, or with their family. Trust your instincts and SAY SOMETHING if a student’s behavior worries you. It’s important that La Salle faculty and staff know how to adequately and effectively respond to a student in distress.

REFER. Sometimes students cannot or will not turn to family or friends, so DO SOMETHING! Your expression of concern may be a critical factor in saving a student’s academic career or even their life. The purpose of this folder is to help you recognize symptoms of student distress and identify appropriate referrals to campus resources.

Medical Issues

Recognize

  • Unresponsiveness, sudden change in behavior, or inappropriate response
  • Shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Bleeding or severe swelling
  • Sudden onset pain
  • Seizures
  • Vomiting
  • Obvious physical injury

Respond

  • Do not move an injured person (unless in immediate danger)
  • Immediately call for help
  • Check for medical alert information
  • Reassure and attempt to calm the injured/ill party
  • Stay with person until help arrives
  • If a person is vomiting or having a seizure, place the person on their side

Refer

  • Urgent Response: Public Safety’s Emergency Extension: 215.991.2111
  • Call 911
  • Student Health Center from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday (215-951-1565)
  • Report
  • File a Standard Incident Report

Misconduct/Safety Issues

Recognize

Harassment

  • Persistent and unwanted personal contact, phone calls, text messages, or any type of communication after the person has stopped initiating contact

Disorderly Conduct

  • Inappropriate outbursts or persistent interruptions
  • Continued arguing beyond the scope of academic debate
  • Refusing to follow directions

Disruptive or Threatening Conduct

  • Throwing items in anger
  • Bullying or making threats
  • Refusing to leave the classroom
  • Refusing others the option to leave
  • Brandishing a weapon

Respond

Ensure your safety in the environment

  • Use a calm, non-confrontational approach.
  • Ask the student to step outside of the classroom to talk
  • Explain the impact of the behavior on the class
  • Express your concern for the student
  • Help student explore options and alternatives and outline your expectations
  • Threatening behaviors (such as brandishing a weapon) require immediate call to Public Safety

Refer

  • Urgent Response: Public Safety’s Emergency Extension: 215.991.2111
  • Call 911
  • Student Health Center from 8:30am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday (215-951-1565)
  • Report
  • File a Standard Incident Report

Sexual Misconduct

including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence, stalking and sexual exploitation

Recognize

  • Signs of depression, anxiety or self-harming behaviors (see Mental/Emotional health tab for more)
  • Sudden changes in demeanor (for example, a formerly assertive student becomes withdrawn, or formerly easy-going student appears angry all the time)
  • Avoidance of specific people, locations or situations
  • Sudden changes in academic performance (see Academic Issues tab for more)
  • Increase in alcohol or substance use

Dating/Domestic Violence Indicators:

  • Isolation (for example, withdrawing socially, spending less time with friends, and quitting clubs/activities)
  • Adhering to a rigid schedule (for example, may exhibit fear or anxiety if their schedule is interrupted, or may leave class or an activity when it is scheduled to end)
  • Persistent disruptions while they’re working or in class (for example, getting multiple texts or calls during class from their partner, or their partner showing up during class to check in on them)

Respond

  • Believe the individual
  • Listen sensitively and respond empathetically
  • DO NOT blame the student for what happened
  • Do not minimize the student’s experience
  • Offer resources and support
  • Follow up with the student and encourage them to reach out to the confidential Assistant Director, Sexual Violence Prevention & Response

Refer

  • Urgent: Public Safety
    For general information or service requests: (215-951-1300)
    For emergencies: 215.991.2111
    CONFIDENTIAL Assistant Director, Sexual Violence Prevention & Response (215-951-1176)
    Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence 24/7 hotline (215-985-3333)
    RAINN National Sexual Assault 24/7 Hotline (800-656-4673) or text HOPE to 66743
    Philadelphia Domestic Violence 24/7 hotline (1-866-723-3014)
    National Domestic Violence 24/7 Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or text START to 88788
    More: https://www.lasalle.edu/sexual-misconduct/get-help-now/

Academic Issues

Recognize

  • Declining grades and/or quality of work
  • Unexpected or sudden change from good to poor performance
  • Change from frequent attendance to excessive absences
  • Change in pattern of interaction
  • Reference to suicide or hopelessness in conversations and writing.
  • Consistently comes to office hours to talk about personal problems
  • Disturbing content in paper/email

Respond

  • Ask the student to meet with you outside the classroom
    Express your concern for the student
    Ask about the student’s preparation and time management skills
     Suggest useful study strategies and exam preparation techniques
    Go over homework, quizzes, and exams with the student so that the student understands their performance and what caused the errors
    Encourage the student to form a study group for the course to provide academic and psychological support
    Recommend tutoring if the student does not understand the course material

Refer

  • Refer the student to the Center for Academic Achievement
    Refer the student to the Student Counseling Center (215-951-1355) for stress management and/or psychological counseling, if needed

What is the Leave of Absence policy?
A Leave of Absence (LOA) allows a student to temporarily separate from the University while maintaining their enrollment status, with the intention of returning to complete their academic program. For more information on a LOA, please refer students to the Assistant Vice President for Student Advocacy and Support.

Mental and Emotional Health Issues

Recognize

Self-Destructive Behavior

  • Suicidal or self-destructive ideation,
  • A conversation or written communication that includes the how, when, and where of a suicide plan (this warrants an IMMEDIATE referral to the Counseling Center),
  • Self-destructive types of behavior over a period of time that interfere with the student’s functioning (repeatedly missing assignments, frequent absences, taking excessive risks, alienating others, loss of future/career focus, long term depression)

Marked Change in Social Interactions

  • Difficulties getting along in the classroom
  • Withdrawing socially
  • Having continual friction with fellow students
  • Declining interest in extracurricular activities
  • Exhibiting behaviors indicating confusion and distress

Erratic or Irresponsible Behavior

  • Dramatic drop in grades or sudden change in academic performance
  • Repeated absences from class
  • Procrastination, lying, cheating, defiance of authority, fits of anger, fights, rule breaking.

Marked Change in Appearance

  • Dramatic change in weight (loss or gain)
  • Poor personal hygiene

Signs of Depression

  • Expressions of self-blame
  • Low energy level
  • Tearfulness/crying often
  • Insomnia
  • Poor appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased attention and ability to concentrate
  • Decreased involvement in pleasurable activities

Anxiety Disorders

  • Irrational or excessive fear or worry
  • Panic attacks
  • Phobias
  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors

Respond

  • Safety First: threatening behaviors require immediate action
  • Trust your instincts
  • Listen sensitively and carefully
  • Don’t be afraid to ask students directly if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, are feeling confused, or if they are having thoughts of harming themselves or others
  • Support and use a non-confrontational approach, a calm voice, and words that highlight your desire/willingness to help
  •  Refer students to the Student Counseling Center
  •  Report serious or persistent troubling behaviors to appropriate campus departments or offices that have the necessary expertise and personnel to help

Refer

Support and Referral

  • Urgent Response: Public Safety’s Emergency Extension: 215.991.2111
  • Student Counseling Center (215-951-1355)

The do’s and don’ts in responding to a student in distress

  • DO show that you take the student’s feelings seriously
  • DO let the student know that you want to help
  • DO listen attentively and empathize
  • DO reassure that with help they will recover
  • DO stay close until help is available, or the risk has passed available, or the risk has passed

  • DON’T try to shock or challenge the student
  • DON’T analyze the student’s motives
  • DON’T become argumentative
  • DON’T react with shock or disdain to the student’s thoughts or feelings

Working with the Student Counseling Center for students in distress

Making a Referral:

  • Be frank with the student about the limits of your time, ability, expertise, and/or objectivity-AS FACULTY AND STAFF, YOU ARE NOT EXPECTED TO PROVIDE COUNSELING
  • Let the student know that you think they should get assistance from another source
  • Assure them that many students seek help over the course of their college career
  • Assist the student in choosing the best resource
  • Try to help the student know what to expect if they follow through on the referral

Ways the Student Counseling Center Can Help You

  • Consultation regarding your concerns and how to proceed
  • Assessing the seriousness of the situation
  • Suggesting potential resources
  • Finding the best ways to make a referral
  • Clarifying your own feelings about the student and the situation

Members and their roles

Assistant Deans of each School
Helps the team navigate administrative logistics and academic policies and procedures. The department’s goal is to enhance the intellectual, personal, social and ethical development of students.

Student Wellness Services
Student Wellness Services at La Salle University consists of the Student Counseling Center and the Student Health Center. Together, these offices work to support students in their lives outside of the classroom. Through providing health care, counseling, crisis management and intervention services, students receive support and guidance around alcohol and drugs, sexual violence and overall health and wellness throughout their careers at La Salle.

The Student Counseling Center provides counseling and psychological services for students. Mental Health Professionals on staff are able to provide unique insights into student mental health and identify possible mental health needs of at-risk students.

Student of Concern Case Manager works with students that are having the most difficulties with various aspects of student life. The case manager will assess each student that is referred and connect them with appropriate resources.

Public Safety
Conducts threat assessments on at-risk individuals and can recommend appropriate responses. Criminal records, restraining orders, missing person reports, and registered weapons permits can be checked and the information shared with the team 24-hours a day.

Student Conduct
Enforces La Salle University policies relating to campus activities, organizations and students. It supports the team in educating students about their rights and responsibilities as part of the University and surrounding community.

Residence Life & Community Development
Maintains a unique relationship with students and can assist the team with information regarding life in the various campus residential communities. These staff members are responsible for upholding and ensuring that students reside in a safe and comfortable community.

University Ministry, Service and Support
Campus Ministry supports many Catholic and interfaith initiatives that help promote spiritual engagement and worship, encourage reflection and dedicated service, and foster a supportive and inclusive community among students, faculty, staff, and Christian Brothers.

FERPA and Confidentiality

The Family Rights and Privacy Act 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.