Helping Students of Concern
Different types of behaviors should elicit different responses depending upon the immediate threat and severity of the behavior.
High Risk Behaviors
These behaviors may indicate an imminent safety risk to the student or the community and require assistance from campus and community responders:
- Expressed intent to harm self or others
- Fighting or assaultive behavior
- Intense or uncontrollable anger
- Overt threats to kill
- Brandishing a weapon
- Suicide attempt or threat
- Drug or alcohol overdose
- Bizarre delusions or hallucinations
What to do:
Call LSU Police Department at 225-578-3231 and describe the problem. The LSU Police will respond as well as obtain assistance from other agencies as needed.
Moderate Risk Behaviors
Moderate-risk behaviors are not usually life-threatening but may be a sign that the student’s coping skills are being challenged. Examples of moderate-risk behaviors include:
- Withdrawal from friends or daily activities
- Indirect threats to self or others
- Irritability with others or acting out in anger
- Comments about weapons
- Increased isolation from friends
- Serious emotional distress
- Erratic behavior
- Expressing hopelessness or helplessness
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Disturbing content in academic work
- Indications of alcohol or drug use interfering with academic or social performance
What to do:
Document the behavior and refer the student or submit a concern to LSU Cares at the earliest opportunity. Students with these behaviors may be referred to Student Advocacy & Accountability. You may also make a referral by calling 225-578-4307.
Behaviors of Concern
Some students will have behaviors that interfere with their academic or personal success but are not likely to indicate a risk to life and safety. Examples of behaviors of concern might include:
- Frequent class absences
- Falling asleep in class
- Difficulty adjusting to college life
- Changes in appearance or personal hygiene
- Significant time management/procrastination issues
- Uncooperative
What to do:
Often you can help students exhibiting behaviors of concern by listening, giving basic advice, and making referrals to campus resources to help them. If the student needs more support than you can provide you can submit a concern to LSU Cares. You may also report students of concern to Mental Health Services at 225-578-6271. Some students may benefit by referral for academic assistance (i.e. advising, tutoring, or your associate dean).