Tips for Supporting and Encouraging Students:
- Request to see the student in private (as long as there is not a concern for safety).
- Listen carefully to what the student is troubled about and try to see the issue from their point of view without agreeing or disagreeing.
- Help the student identify options for action and explore possible consequences. If possible, offer to phone or accompany the student to the appropriate resources.
- Avoid labeling the student’s behavior or the issues presented.
- Inform the student about what can be gained by meeting with a counselor or other professional to talk about their problems.
- Be open about the limits on your ability to help the student.
- If the student appears to be in imminent danger of hurting themselves or others, call the USF St. Petersburg Campus Police at 873-4444 immediately. Afterwards, complete the Student of Concern Referral Form HERE to alert the SOCAT Case Manager of the issue for follow-up.
- Do not promise to keep threats to self or others a secret.
Adopted from the SOCAT web page : https://www.stpetersburg.usf.edu/student-life/student-outreach-program/