Skip to main content
Apply Request Info

How to Help - A Guide for Faculty and Staff

Point Park University Network of Support

Point Park University has several different departments and programs designed to help students maintain well-being and find support in times of challenge. This network is housed in departments throughout the university, and includes (but is not limited to) The Center for Student Success, Residential and Commuter Resources, the Student Health and Wellness Center, Public Safety, Title IX, Spiritual Life, Student Engagement, and Student Activities, Involvement & Leadership. We ask you to be informed of the network of support and join us in helping students learn how to advocate for their needs and take initiative to seek help when needed. Learning to do so is an important life skill that will benefit our students.

Consultation With the UCC

During your tenure at PPU, you may encounter a student who is going through a tough time or experiencing some kind of distress. The University Counseling Center offers consultation services for staff, faculty, advisors, and administrators. Consultation can address such issues as campus and community services, referring a student to services and intervening with a student in distress.

Engaging Students of Concern

If you notice a student in trouble, you can help. We encourage faculty and staff members to respond to problematic student behavior, unless the behavior is threatening or violent. While a few students might not welcome being approached, it is always best to attempt to talk with the student about your concerns and offer help. Approaching a distressed student in a caring and supportive way very often helps the student open up and share their thoughts with you. By engaging in this way, you can help them identify where and how to get help.

The following is a list of distress indicators you might observe in students. If a student is falling behind in your class, consider the possibility that they may be struggling with one or more of these concerns. In some cases, your student might benefit from a referral for professional help.

  • Disruptive Behavior – A student exhibiting inappropriate behavior in a classroom or public spaces. 
  • Observable Changes – Distinct changes in academic performance, withdrawal from others, changes in class participation, crying, outbursts of anger, increased or decreased activity and poor attendance are examples of significant behavioral changes.
  • Physical Complaints – Students who repeatedly report physical illness or symptoms may be experiencing psychological problems. A change in eating patterns, sleep disturbances, fatigue, stomach aches, and pain are some common complaints that may be related to psychological problems.
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse – Coming to class or a meeting when intoxicated or high is a serious signal. It may become a problem that interferes with social, academic and work functioning.
  • Academic Problems – Students who have a noticeable decline in their academic performance may be feeling overwhelmed with other areas of their lives. Some students come to classes with difficulty concentrating, completing assignments, or performing well on exams.
  • Talking About Suicide – Any instance in which a student talks or writes about suicide should be taken seriously. If you suspect a student might be thinking about suicide but aren’t sure, you should express your concern and ask them directly. Some examples of how to ask are, "Have you had thoughts about killing yourself?" or "Have you been thinking about suicide?". There is a myth that you will “plant” the idea of suicide in their head if you ask directly. This is false, as it can actually be quite helpful to talk with someone directly and openly about your concerns and your desire to help. If you become aware of a student who is considering suicide, please make an immediate referral to the UCC.

What To Do

Your expression of concern may provide students the motivation they need to seek appropriate help or services. The UCC is available for consultation with faculty and staff if you are concerned about a student, unsure of an appropriate intervention, or need help in locating the appropriate resources.

Here is a list of suggestions for how to respond to a student:

  1. Approach the student in a private setting, such as your office.
  2. Include a description of the problem behavior you are observing and the specific consequences you see.
  3. Remind the student you are doing this out of genuine concern for them.
  4. Remain calm and approach the student with a caring and supportive tone.
  5. Listen carefully and encourage the student’s efforts to ask for help.
  6. Help the student develop an action plan that addresses the problem.
  7. Consider any cultural differences, expectations, or external pressures that may be impacting the articulation of the issue.

Staff and faculty may also contact the Office of Student Life (412-392-8026) so that the appropriate Student Life  Administrator on Duty (AOD) can respond and assist both you and the student. The AOD may also be reached by calling Public Safety at 2222 from any campus phone or 412-392-3960.

Making the Referral

Consider connecting the student with the Center for Student Success by calling 412-392-8153 or submitting an Early Alert through Student Intervention via PointWeb: https://pointweb.pointpark.edu. Staff in this office are well-positioned to help students navigate the support network at PPU and assist with connecting them to appropriate support services.

For most students who might benefit from talking with someone at the University Counseling Center, you can offer them the UCC phone number (412-392-3977), email (counseling@pointpark.edu), or direct them to our office on the 5th floor of Lawrence Hall. If you are concerned about their motivation to follow through or you would like to share your concerns with a therapist, it may be helpful to call ahead to speak with staff and consider walking the student over.

Crisis Support

If a student is in crisis and need of immediate support, it is best to call 2222 from any campus phone or 412-392-3960. This will connect you with Campus Safety Dispatch, who can help you determine whether the Student Life Administrator On Duty (AOD) and/or Campus Police should be involved. The AOD can help students connect with needed supports in the moment.

If you feel a student is in a non-life threatening psychological crisis, you can call the UCC during business hours (412-392-3977) or encourage the student to call themselves. The UCC receptionist will take some initial information and route the call appropriately. If you call, we will likely attempt to talk with the student directly, if possible, and we will schedule a meeting with the student within an appropriate time frame. If you feel comfortable and the student is willing, you can walk them to the UCC during business hours. If so, please call ahead to let us know you are coming.

The Counseling Center is not equipped to provide “walk-in services,” but we are able to provide risk assessment and triage support during business hours. If the UCC is unavailable and immediate support is desired, students are encouraged to contact Resolve Crisis Network at 1-888-796-8226 (toll free). 

Confidentiality

Please be aware that we are bound by law to protect confidentiality of anyone receiving our services. We do not share any personal information unless a student has signed a consent form or information is needed to protect safety. If you would like to talk to someone at the UCC regarding your student’s well-being, ask your student to consider signing a Release of Information form (ROI).

If a student does not sign an ROI, you may still call the UCC to share your concerns. We welcome information that might help a student when there are urgent psychological or emotional concerns. The therapist can listen to your concerns and consult about general issues that do not pertain to your student directly. Note, however, that the therapist will not be able to acknowledge that your student is engaged in services at the UCC nor provide you with any personal information.

We encourage you to follow up with the student after you have made a referral. Ideally, the student will talk with you directly to let you know how they are doing after the referral.