Marked changes in physical
appearance (deterioration in grooming
or hygiene, significant weight
gain/loss)
Sudden decline in quality of
work/grades
PHYSI CAL
Indicators
ACAD E M I C
Indicators
Repeated absences
Disorganized performance
Multiple requests for extensions
Excessive fatigue or sleep
disturbance
Intoxication, hangovers, smelling of
alcohol
Garbled, tangential, disconnected, or
slurred speech
Bizarre content in
writing/presentations
Disoriented or “out of it”
Overly demanding of faculty/staff
time and attention
I ND I CATOR S OF D I ST R E S S: What to look for
P SYC H O LO GI CA L
Indicators
Self-disclosure of personal distress,
including family problems, financial
difficulties, suicidal thoughts, grief
Unusual/disproportional emotional
response to events
Excessive tearfulness
Panic reactions
Irritability or unusual apathy
Verbal abuse (e.g. taunting, badgering,
intimidation)
Increased need for personal (rather
than academic) counseling
SAF ET Y RIS K
Indicators
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Physical violence (shoving, grabbing,
assault, use of weapon)
Implying or making a direct threat to
harm self or others
Academic assignments dominated by
themes of extreme hopelessness, rage,
worthlessness, isolation, despair,
acting out, suicidal ideations, violent
behaviors, or other “cries for help”
Stalking or harassing
Communicating threats via email,
texting, phone calls
Material adapted from the Red Folder Initiative of University of California. Folders created by the SUNY
Geneseo Mental Health Task Force with input from the Campus Personal Safety Commi!ee. Revised 9/2016.
RE D FO LDER QUICK ACCE S S W EB S ITE
Visit go.geneseo.edu/redfolder for a digital and up-to-date version of this folder.
JED FOUNDATI ON
The Jed Foundation is a leading non-profit dedicated to the emotional health of college students.
Visit jedfoundation.org to learn more.
OT HE R HE L PFU L R E S OU R C E S
strengthens the campus community.
Students in distress may be struggling with
Sharing your concern directly with the student
academic or personal challenges. Remember that
and reaching out to campus/community
are available or how to find help. It’s okay to
you are in a unique position to identify students
resources are important first steps in the
check in with students to see how they’re doing.
who may be in need of help.
helping process.
Demonstrating a culture of care and compassion
AWA R EN E S S
CO M M U N ICATI O N
EN GAGE M EN T
Students may not be aware of what resources
GE NE SEO R ED FOLDE R
RE S OUR CE S & TI PS
Consider the tips below to help refer students to
appropriate resources.
ON - CAM PUS R E S O U R CE S
Dean of Students
585-245-5706
Student Care Services/Title IX Coordinator for Students
585-245-5023
Lauderdale Center for Student Health & Counseling
585-245-5716
University Police
585-245-5222
Pathways Peer Advocacy
585-237-8860, line open 8pm-8am
www.geneseo.edu/pathways
health.geneseo.edu
! Safety First
The top priority is always the welfare of the campus
community. Do not hesitate to call for help if
someone is displaying threatening or violent
behavior.
! Listen Sensitively & Carefully
Use a calm voice and a non-confrontational
approach. Avoid threatening, humiliating, and
intimidating responses.
! Be Proactive
Engage students early on and set limits on
disruptive behavior.
! Be Direct
Don’t be afraid to ask students directly if they are
under the influence of alcohol/drugs, feeling
confused, or having thoughts of harming
themselves or others.
! Follow Through
Ensure the student knows the physical location of
the identified resource.
! Consultation & Documentation
Always document your interactions with distressed
students. Consult with your department
chair/supervisor after any incidents of concern.
CO M MU N IT Y RE SO U R CE S
Village of Geneseo Police Department
Emergency Services
585-243-2420
911
RESTORE (sexual assault)
1-800-527-1757
Chances & Changes (dating violence and stalking)
1-888-252-9360
N ATI ON A L RE S OU RC E S
Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK
Crisis Text Line (text START to begin)
741-741
1-800-273-8255
D O. ..
DO N’ T.. .
! Make time and space available to speak to students
" Make promises you can’t keep
! Use empathy and active listening skills
" Try to “fix” everything
! Connect students with available resources
" Pass judgment or dismiss the student’s needs
! Ask for additional help if needed
" Wait to refer if you’re concerned about a student
WH O M TO CO N TAC T:
Follow the chart to determine next steps
Is the student in danger to self or
others or otherwise in need of immediate
assistance for another reason?
YES
The student’s conduct is clearly and
imminently reckless, disorderly, dangerous or
threatening.
Call UPD at x5222 or dial 911.
N OT S U R E/ NO
The student shows signs of distress, but I’m unsure whether it is
serious. I’m left feeling uneasy and concerned about the student.
or
I’m not immediately concerned for the student, but the student is
having significant difficulties and needs supoort.
Contact the Dean of Students (x5706), who will advise you on
how to proceed. Options may include referral to Student
Health and Counseling Services (x5716) or the Director of
Student Care Services (x5023).