For Faculty & Staff

What is distressed or disruptive behavior?

• Distressed behavior: A student may not always be aware that they are experiencing distress; however, they may exhibit signs that they need help. Indicators of distress may include excessive class absences, declining academic performance, poor emotional control, mood swings, changes in sleeping or eating habits, excessive concern about physical or mental health, persistent depression or anxiety, suicidal or homicidal intent, or participation in risky activities.
• Disruptive behavior: Disruptive behavior, as defined in the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, is any behavior that "impedes, interferes with, or disrupts any University teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary, public service, learning, or other authorized activity" (Chapter 11, Section 804, (a)3). To obtain more information from the Institutional Rules, please click here.

How can I help a student in distress?

The first step is to gauge the student's level of distress by asking yourself:

• Is this student's behavior distressing and out of the ordinary?
• Is this beyond my skill level?
• Has this behavior been increasing over time?
• Does the student appear to be at risk?
• Does the student's behavior place others at risk?
• Am I feeling as if I could use help or guidance in this situation?

Answering "yes" to any of these questions may indicate that a student is distressed and needs help.

If a student is exhibiting minimal signs of distress, an expression of concern is often the best way to offer your support and assistance. Share your concerns about his or her specific behaviors, and refer them to one of the many campus and/or community resources listed here.

In cases where a student is exhibiting extremely distressed behavior and may need immediate assistance, the Counseling and Mental Health Center (Student Services Building, 5th floor) has an emergency counselor available for walk-in appointments. If possible, please call the the Counseling and Mental Health Center (512-471-3515) before sending or escorting a student for an emergency appointment. The Coordinator for Student Emergency Services at the Office of the Dean of Students (512-471-5017) can also be contacted for further assistance and alternate options. If you believe that a student intends to harm him/herself, someone else, or University property, you should contact UTPD immediately (dial 911 or 1-4441 from any campus telephone; if using a cell phone, please dial 471-4441).

How do I respond to the behavior of a disruptive student?

• Minimal disruptive behavior: With minimally disruptive behavior (e.g., repeated tardiness, yelling, ignoring University policies, etc.), you should talk to the student immediately upon observing the behavior. In these cases, the purpose of the discussion is to review the behavior, its impact on others and the learning environment, and clarify expectations for appropriate behavior.
• Significant disruptive behavior: In some cases, disruptive behavior is significant and may even pose a threat to property and/or to you or other members of the University community. In these cases, it is important that the proper campus officials are notified immediately. This usually includes UTPD (dial 911 or 1-4441 from any campus telephone; if using a cell phone, please dial 512-471-4441) and Student Judicial Services (512-471-2841) after the immediate situation is addressed.

Some important guidelines for responding to distressed or disturbed students:

• Set expectations for student conduct from the beginning of the class/meeting.
• Address violations of these expectations as soon as they occur.
• Consult with the Office of the Dean of Students or other campus resources when a student's behavior is concerning to you.
• Document all interactions about disruptive behavior. Even if the issue is temporarily resolved, this can be useful in future cases.
• Trust your instincts if you feel that a student might be a danger to themselves or others.