Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress Student Wellness and Equitable Learning

Post-secondary studies can be a challenging time for learners. Generally, there are signs that a learner may be struggling long before a situation escalates to a crisis.

As faculty and staff, you are wellpositioned to recognize behaviour that may indicate that a learner is in distress and may require help. Being able to recognize early signs of distress and being willing to share your concerns directly are critical first steps in supporting learners.

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

At Humber College and the University of GuelphHumber, everyone plays a role in supporting learner success and well-being.

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Factors that contribute to student stress and distress Almost 29%* of Humber students said they were hungry in the last 30 days because there was not enough money for food. *The statistics displayed here are from National College Heath Assessment 2022

Learners bring their unique selves and situations to a learning environment. In addition to the stressors indicated in this resource, supplementary variables can affect the learner’s overall wellness. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Academics. Beyond general academic anxiety, learners may be worried about failing, completing the term, graduation requirements, and other specific course/ program uncertainties. There are many factors that increase the challenges learners face as they navigate through their academic journeys.

Accessibility. Learners living with disabilities or ongoing health conditions may have additional needs that require different degrees and levels of support in this new environment.

Disclosures of personal crisis. Learners may be experiencing an illness, bereavement, food or housing insecurity.

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Finances. Learners and their families are concerned about covering tuition fees, the cost of books and supplies, rent, and food. Financial concerns create extensive challenges. Nearly a third of Humber students indicated that finances negatively impacted their academic performance.

Global Issues. Systemic and structural inequities, access to stable employment, climate change, food insecurity, and geopolitical conflicts can cause stress and worry.

International Learners. These students face added stress due to visa concerns, lack of funding, and loneliness.

Living Environments. Being in an unsafe, abusive, and/or invalidating space can negatively impact a learner’s well-being and ability to be fully present in learning spaces. Moreover, anxieties over housing instability can also impact a learner’s well-being.

62%* of Humber students said they feel like they belong on campus.

73%* of Humber students said they would seek help from a mental health professional if they were having a personal problem. *The statistics displayed here are from National College Heath Assessment 2022

Mental Health and Wellness. Mental health concerns (e.g., depression, anxiety, substance misuse, trauma) can significantly impede academic success.

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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How to Support a Learner in Distress Recognize Notice signs and indicators of distress.

Respond Practice empathy, listen to them, and validate their experience.

Support Offer potential academic support and resources.

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Recognize There are indicators that may suggest a learner is experiencing difficulty.

• Academic indicators (e.g., repeated absences, missed assignments, deterioration in quality or quantity of work.)

• Behavioural and emotional indicators (e.g., more withdrawn or animated than usual, expressions of severe anxiety or irritability.)

• Physical indicators (e.g., deterioration in physical appearance, excessive fatigue.)

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Respond “I’ve noticed that you have been absent from class lately and I’m concerned about you.”

Practice empathy • Offer academic flexibility such as extensions and reweighting of assignments • Find a time and appropriate space to connect with the learner.

• Be specific about what you have noticed.

• Express concern.

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Respond Listen • Listen without judgment.

• Be kind, patient, and compassionate.

“What support would you find most helpful in this moment?”

• Ask open-ended questions about what support the learner may find helpful.

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Respond “It sounds like things are difficult right now.

I’d like to help you.”

“Asking for help can be challenging. Thank you for sharing this with me.”

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Validate • Validate the learner’s thoughts and feelings.

• Remind them that they are not alone.

• Acknowledge the vulnerability and strength that it takes to reach out and ask for help.

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Support Make a plan for support • Share the resources in this guide with the learner.

• If the learner isn’t sure where to start, refer them to the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre or the Care Coordinator team care@humber.ca.

“Would it be helpful if we went to the Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre together?”

• Offer to connect the learner to a resource or walk them over to an on-campus resource.

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Next Steps “I respect your decision.

I hope you keep these options in mind.”

If a learner says no to a referral, let them know you respect their choice.

• Let them know you are available to reconnect.

• Document the interaction.

• You are still welcome to connect with a Care Coordinator to consult.

• Follow up with the learner. Do not pressure them into sharing information but let them know you can connect them to resources should that be helpful.

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Crisis and Emergency To support your well-being and safety, here are some situations where you must call 911 or Department of Public Safety 416-675-6622 ext. 4000: • The learner is behaving in a physically or verbally aggressive manner toward themselves, others, property, or animals.

• There is an imminent risk of suicide.

• The learner is unresponsive to the external environment (e.g., passed out, limited or no reply despite probing).

• The situation feels very threatening or dangerous to you.​ Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Taking care of yourself Supporting learners who are experiencing difficulty can be challenging for the person offering support.

It is important to maintain boundaries, be aware of your personal limits, and seek support when needed.

Self-care resources: • Well-being resources online, through the Healthy YOU Hub, the Employee Benefits website, the TELUS Health website, or Wellness Together Canada.

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which can be accessed through the TELUS Health website.

Note: If you are a contract employee and you need counselling support, please contact oe@humber.ca for assistance.

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Remember • It is okay to feel uncertain about how to respond.

• You do not have to have all the answers.

• You are not alone. There are many on- and offcampus resources to support learners.

• Follow-up with the learner after referring them to a resource.

If you don’t know how to support the learner, reach out to: •

Student Wellness and Accessibility Centre SWAC@humber.ca 416-675-6622 ext. 3331 (Lakeshore) 416-675-5090 (North)

•

Care Coordinators Submit a Care Report care@humber.ca 416-675-6622 ext. 2102

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Resources for Learners in Distress

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Resources for Learners in Distress I WANT HELP WITH...

CAMPUS RESOURCE

CONTACT

Academic considerations, finances, food security, housing instability, navigating policy/process, sexual / domestic violence supports

Care Coordinators Submit a Care Report

Care@humber.ca 416-675-6622 ext. 2102

Talking about consent, healthy boundaries, sexual intimacy

Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Team

Cpep@humber.ca

Reporting concerns about nonacademic student behaviour (bullying, harassment, theft, etc.)

Office of Student Community Standards

OSCS@humber.ca 416-675-6622 ext. 4357

Connecting with a peer about my wellbeing and working towards wellness goals in a peer setting.

Peer Wellness Education and Programs

Wellness@humber.ca

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Resources for Learners in Distress I WANT HELP WITH...

CAMPUS RESOURCE

CONTACT

Coping with stress, anxiety, relationships, body image, identity, trauma, etc.

Counselling

SWAC@humber.ca 416-675-5090 (North) 416-675-6622 ext. 3331 (Lakeshore)

Assistance with immigration, visa status and resources for international students

International Centre

https://international.humber.ca/

Health Centre

SWAC@humber.ca 416-675-5090 (North) 416-675-6622 ext. 3331 (Lakeshore)

Accessible Learning Team

SWAC@humber.ca 416-675-5090 (North) 416-675-6622 ext. 3331 (Lakeshore)

Financial Services

https://humber.ca/admissions/ index.php?q=student-fees-financialresources.html

Pre-placement immunizations, birth control, minor injuries and illness treatment Accommodations, technology for students with disabilities, accommodated testing

Tuition, finances, and funding

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Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Resources for Learners in Distress I WANT HELP WITH...

CAMPUS RESOURCE

CONTACT

Academic and Tutoring Resources

Peer Assisted Learning

peer.tutoring@humber.ca

Support with math-related topics and writing to enhance academic skills

Math & Writing Centre

mathcentre@humber.ca writingcentre@humber.ca

Career workshops, resources and advising

Advising & Career Services

careers@humber.ca

Personalized and relevant career advice for UofGH students and alumni

Career & Placement Services (UofGH)

career@guelphhumber.ca

Personal academic advising for UofGH students, education plans, learning skills, resolve academic issues, and resources

Academic Advising (UofGH)

advisors@guelphhumber.ca

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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Resources for Learners in Distress

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I WANT HELP WITH...

CAMPUS RESOURCE

CONTACT

Health and dental plan, bursaries, tax clinics, clubs, and other student resources

IGNITE

info@ignitestudentlife.com

Finding community, culturally relevant support and connection for Black students

Black Student Success & Engagement

416-675-6622 ext. 4517 (North and Lakeshore)

Finding community, resources, support, and connection for LGBTQ+ students

LGBTQ+ Resource Centre

416-675-6622 ext. 5575 (North) 416-675-6622 ext. 5577 (Lakeshore)

Physical well-being, intramurals and recreation

Athletics and Recreation

https://humberhawks.ca/fitrec/ landing/index

Finding community, culturally relevant support and connection for Indigenous students

Indigenous Education and Engagement

https://humber.ca/indigenous/contactus

Safe, respectful, inclusive space to explore and practice culture, religion and spirituality

Spirituality and Wellness Centre

swc@humber.ca

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

Off-Campus Resources The Student Wellness and Accessibility Centres (SWAC) do not offer emergency services, and operate Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are experiencing an immediate crisis, please call 911.

For after hours, non-emergency supports, please contact: • Call 211 • Gerstein Centre: 416-929-5200 • Good2Talk: 1-866-925-5454, good2talk.ca • Suicide Crisis Line: 988 • Telehealth Ontario: 1-866-797-0000

Recognize, Respond and Support Learners in Distress

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