Case Management

Q: What do I do if a student stops coming to class and/or responding to outreach attempts?

A: Refer the student to the Early Intervention Team. Visit their website for details.

 

Q: What do I do if a student tells me that they have been the victim of interpersonal violence?

A: As a responsible employee you are required to share any disclosure of interpersonal violence with the Office of Access & Equity: Equal Opportunity. Sharing of this information may be made via the Access & Equity: Equal Opportunity Incident Report Form. 

No need to refer the student to both offices since Equal Opportunity works closely with Case Management to ensure students receive support and follow up. 

 

Q: What do I do if a student shares that they are feeling suicidal?

A: If the concern is emergent, contact University Police or local law enforcement. To determine whether you need to contact University Police, determine if the student is having current suicidal thoughts. To do this, you can say something like, "Have you been thinking of killing yourself?" If the students responds positively, continue to ask questions to determine if they have a plan ("Have you thought about how you would end your life?"), as well as if they have the means to do so ("Do you have access to a gun?"). If the student responds positively to these questions, call University Police. If you feel that you need to consult with someone in Case Management, call the office at (828)262-8284 or Counseling and Psychological Services at (828)262-3180.

If the concern is not immediate, encourage the student to visit Counseling and Psychological Services during walk in hours. Then share your concern with Case Management through the secure Care & Concern Referral Form to ensure follow up and support for the student.

To learn more about how to talk to students who are having suicidal thoughts complete the online suicide prevention training offered through Wellness and Prevention.

 

Q: What do I do if a student requests approved absences for "personal reasons"?

A: As a faculty member you have sole discretion regarding excused class absences. Faculty are encouraged to follow absence policies as communicated by the vice provost and defined in their course syllabus to determine the impact an absence may have on the course. The ultimate decision regarding absences and the resulting influence those absences may have on grade or course progression, is at the discretion of the instructor. Requiring students to obtain documentation from Case Management within the Office of the Dean of Students in order to provide flexibility should not be outlined within course syllabi. 

The Office of the Dean of Students is able to provide a Class Absence Notification when a student is absent from class for emergency and/or extenuating circumstances. However, students should not be directed to our office for every absence accumulated throughout the semester since every absence does not meet the requirement for an emergency or extenuating circumstance. Please provide students with direct answers whether you will permit them to make up missed work or exams. Again, the answer should not be contingent on them receiving documentation from our office. Please see the guidelines for Class Absence Notifications considering students must submit requests within 10 days of the absence. 

 

Q: If a student shares with me that they have recently experienced a concussion, how will this impact them and what should I do?

A: Symptoms from a concussion are generally temporary and can last anywhere from a few days up to several weeks.

General symptoms the student may experience include: headaches, nausea/vomiting, confusion, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, reduced attention, cognitive and memory dysfunction, sensitivity to light/sounds, need to reduce screen or reading time, therefore, academic performance may decrease while the student recovers.

While a student is experiencing symptoms, patience is greatly appreciated as they readapt to the classroom. Students may initially experience difficulty and may benefit from additional breaks while studying and completing homework. Depending on the severity of the concussion, students may approach you to discuss alternatives for submitting work or discuss extensions.

If a student expresses the desire for accommodations, they should be referred to the Office of Disability Resources.

 

Q: If a student shares with me that they have recently been discharged from the hospital, how will this impact them and what should I do?

A: Returning to campus after being in the hospital can feel overwhelming. Ask the student if they are connected with supportive resources within the University or off-campus. Often, students are already connected with a counselor or additional off-campus supports, so there is no need to refer them to our office if the student is adjusting back to classes. We have seen how unnecesaary referrals can make students feel targeted for having a hospital visit. However, if the student is not connected with supportive resources or you can tell that they are actively having a difficult time, please complete a Care & Concern Referral form.