Resources & Guidance: How to Support Students in Distress

Dear Faculty and Staff,

Over the course of the semester, you may encounter students experiencing varying levels of distress. Knowing how to identify signs and connect students with the right resources is essential to ensuring their safety and well-being.

Recognizing Distress & Taking Action

The Counseling Center’s “How to Help a Student in Distress” webpage guides you to help you recognize signs of distress and respond with empathy, support, and appropriate resources. We also encourage you to attend a Mental Health First Aid course offered by the Counseling Center (registration opportunities are emailed a few times each year).

We also strongly encourage faculty and staff to submit a Student of Concern Form online to the Office of the Dean of Students. We will reach out to the student and provide support and resources to help them succeed. Faculty and staff serve as supportive allies, not clinical providers or crisis managers. If you’re unsure how to proceed, both the Office of the Dean of Students & the PNW Counseling Center are available for consultation to ensure students receive the right level of care.

Emergency Situations

If a student is experiencing a medical emergency or significant emotional dysregulation, please call the PNW Police Department at (219) 989-2220 (Hammond) or (219) 785-5220 (Westville). Officers are trained in de-escalation and can assist with hospital transport when needed.

Examples of emotional dysregulation include:

• Disruptive behavior such as shouting, threats, or throwing objects
• Uncontrolled crying, panic, or hyperventilation
• Specific threats of suicide or violence toward others
• Paranoia, hallucinations, or irrational communication

PNW PD has 24-hour access to emergency psychological consultation via the PNW Counseling Center.

Key Contacts & Resources

• Office of the Dean of Students
  (219) 989-4141 | (219) 785-5230

Or submit a Student of Concern Form online

• PNW Counseling Center
  (219) 989-2366
  Hours: Monday–Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Visit the Counseling Center webpage to learn how students can make an appointment or access crisis resources.

• Purdue University Northwest Police Department

(219) 989-2220 | (219) 785-5220

Visit the PNW PD webpage to learn more about safety and security on our campuses.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a safe and supportive campus environment. Please keep this information handy and don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
Office of the Dean of Students