Faculty and Staff Guide to Student Support

How to Respond

A supportive conversation can help a student feel heard and connected to resources.

• Meet privately when possible.
• Describe specific behaviors you have noticed.
• Listen without judgment.
• Avoid making assumptions or trying to diagnose the problem.
• Express concern and willingness to help.
• Discuss available campus resources when appropriate.

Helpful phrases include:

• “I’ve noticed some changes and wanted to check in.”
• “You seem to be dealing with a lot right now.”
• “How can I support you?”
• “There are campus resources that may be helpful.”

Do’s and Don’ts for Staff and Faculty

Do’s

• Let the student know when his or her behavior is inappropriate or disruptive. This will give the student a chance to modify that behavior.
• Meet with the student in private. If you are concerned about meeting with the student alone for any reason, request another faculty member or administrator sit in on the meeting.
• After discussing a student’s conduct with him or her, follow up by sending the student an e-mail summarizing the discussion. This is a way of documenting the steps you took to address the student’s behavior.
• If a student is in emotional distress, let him or her know about the Personal Counseling Center. If you’re able to, offer to walk the student to the center.
• Call Public Safety immediately if a student’s behavior becomes aggressive or threatening.

Don’ts

• Do not have what should be a private conversation in front of other students—discussing a student’s behavior with him or her should be a private matter.
• Do not grade a student based on behavior. A student’s academic grade should be based on the grading rubric outlined in the course syllabus.
• Do not ban a student from coming back to class or an office permanently—this is a violation of the student’s due process rights. Before any permanent action can be taken, a written complaint (Student Behavior Form) must be submitted to the Office of Judicial Affairs so that the disciplinary process can be initiated.
• Do not copy other staff or faculty members (with the exception of your chair or supervisor) when reporting a student’s behavior via e-mail. Any report or complaint must be kept confidential.

De-escalation Techniques

If a student becomes upset, frustrated, or emotionally overwhelmed:

• Remain calm and speak respectfully.
• Allow the student to explain their concerns.
• Listen more than you speak.
• Avoid arguing or escalating the situation.
• Maintain clear boundaries while showing empathy.
• Connect the student with support services when appropriate.

If there are safety concerns, follow college emergency procedures and contact the appropriate office immediately.

Disruptive and/or Threatening Behavior

Examples

• A student repeatedly interrupts class or makes inappropriate demands
• A student displays hostile behavior or emotional outbursts that disrupt learning
• You feel threatened by a student’s aggressive actions, loss of control, or threats
• A student implies threats or references violence, even if framed as jokes or hypotheticals.
• A student sends harassing, threatening, or excessive messages.

Actions

• Ask the student to leave
• Contact Campus Safety at 718.951.5444 or dial 911 from a campus phone.
• Dismiss class, if needed.
• Contact Student Affairs at 718.951.5352.
• Complete a Student Behavior Form

Student Behavior Form

Mental Health Crisis

Examples

• A student confides in you that they are thinking of harming themselves
• A student hears or sees things others do not or loses touch with reality
• A student makes alarming statements or shows signs of emotional crisis
• A student reveals they are experiencing ongoing abuse, neglect, or trauma

Actions

• If the student agrees, refer the student to Personal Counseling by calling 718.951.5363 or visit 0203 James Hall.
• Refer the student to emergency resources such as LIFENET at 800.543.3638.
• Contact Campus Safety at 718.951.5444 or dial 911 from a campus phone.
• Contact Student Affairs at 718.951.5352.
• Complete a Student Behavior Form

Student Behavior Form

Academic Concerns

Examples

• Lack of concentration in class or sudden drop in academic performance
• Unexcused absences or significant change in demeanor
• Disturbing communication related to coursework

Actions

• Contact student to express concern and inform them that support resources are available
• Inform the department chair or program head
• Refer student to Academic Advisement at 718.951.5471
• Issue an alert via EAB Navigate.
• Video instructions can be found here.

Academic Integrity Concerns

• Email the Director of Graduate Studies, Patrick Kavanagh
• Complete the Faculty Action Report (FAR)

Discrimination, Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, and Retaliation

Actions

• Contact the Title IX Coordinator, Michelle Mendez, at , call 718.951.4128, or visit 2147 Boylan.
• Complete the CUNY Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation Form.

Interim Measures for Violent or Threatening Behavior

 In situations involving violence or threatening behavior, the college has a range of interim measures that may be implemented to help ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals involved.

These measures are intended to be responsive, supportive, and preventive, and may include the following:

• Referral to Campus Safety to assist with assessment and the development of an individualized safety plan.
• Temporary no-contact orders, which may be requested to prevent further interaction between parties involved.
• Referral to established behavioral or mental health protocols, when concerning behavior may be related to a mental health issue, to support the student and address safety These referrals are managed by the Division of Student Affairs in consultation with the BEST team.
• Temporary suspension or removal from campus activities, when warranted by the seriousness of the behavior and in accordance with college

These examples are not exhaustive, and the specific response will depend on the circumstances of each situation.

Faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to reach out as early as possible with questions or concerns. Early communication allows us to work collaboratively, assess risk appropriately, and identify the most effective path toward resolution while prioritizing campus safety and student support.