>

Supporting a Student

Supporting fellow Commodores contributes to a caring and connected campus community. When signs of difficulty arise, directing students to appropriate wellness resources can promote resilience and overall wellbeing. Effective support includes recognizing concerns, asking thoughtful questions, encouraging help-seeking, and connecting individuals with Student Care Network resources.

two people talking on a bench

Submitting a Student of Concern Form

Faculty, staff, students, and community members can use the Student of Concern Form to report concerns about a student’s personal, physical, or emotional wellbeing. Submitting a Student of Concern Form is beneficial as it facilitates timely intervention, connecting individuals with the appropriate resources and support they need to enhance their wellbeing and academic success.

This form is not intended for emergency response notifications. For situations requiring immediate assistance, consult our Immediate Crisis Help webpage. 

Submit a Student of Concern Form
  • When should I submit a Student of Concern Form?

    You should submit a Student of Concern Form if you identify a student who is exhibiting concerning behavior related to their personal, physical, or emotional wellbeing and:

    • You would like someone else to be aware of the issue
    • You believe the student needs immediate follow-up
    • You believe the student needs ongoing support
    • You have updated information about a previous report you filed
    • You want advice on how to interact with or support the student

    If you are unsure whether you should submit a report, please contact Student Care Coordination at (615) 343-9355.

    We encourage individuals to share with the student that you are submitting a form to help them find support, however the option to submit a form anonymously is also available. 

  • What happens once the form has been submitted?

    Once a Student of Concern Form is submitted, appropriate staff in Student Care Coordination will review and assess the information in order to determine the best course of action for follow-up. Follow-up is individually tailored and, where possible, relationship-driven, and it may include a SCN staff member reaching out to the student directly and working with the student on a success plan or appropriate referrals. While a staff member may contact the reporting party for additional information, the  reporting party may not receive any specific follow-up information due to privacy laws and regulations. 

Best Practices to Support a Student in Distress

  • Identify

    Early detection and intervention are important. Spotting changes early and stepping in can make a big difference. To identify a student who might be struggling, look for shifts in how they perform, behave, or carry themselves. This might include changes in academic performance, physical changes, and behavioral changes. When you notice several of these changes together, it's a strong signal that they may be facing challenges.  

  • Question

    When identifying a person who may be in distress, how can you approach them to offer support effectively? Start by considering a series of thoughtful questions and actions:

    • Where is a quiet place where you can talk privately without interruption?  
    • How can you express your care and concern genuinely? 
    • Do you have VU Resources available?  
  • Persuade

    Persuading someone to seek help involves empathy, compassion, and clear communication. Begin by expressing genuine concern for their wellbeing and explaining why you're worried, focusing on specific behaviors or changes you have noticed.  Gently highlight the benefits of seeking support, such as improved mental health and access to resources that can facilitate positive change and offer hope. 

  • Refer

    Student Care Coordination (SCC) acts as a helpful starting point for students looking to connect with resources that match their specific needs. SCC is committed to linking students with the right support for their challenges.

    • Encourage students to visit the Student Care Coordination website and complete an online intake form or share the phone number (615) 343-9355 so they can schedule an appointment.
    • Offer to assist the students with this process, whether by helping fill out the intake form, making the phone call together, or accompanying them to SCC drop-in hours. This support can make a significant difference.
    • Encourage them to explore the Student Care Network website at their own pace to discover the variety of health and wellness resources available.
    • Keep the lines of communication open by assuring them that you're there to listen. Periodically check in with simple questions like “How have you been?” to show ongoing support and care. 
    • Submit a Student of Concern Form to connect the student with the appropriate resources and support they need to enhance their wellbeing and academic success.

Programs & Trainings

The Student Care Network encourages all students, faculty, and staff to participate in additional training opportunities designed to build confidence in recognizing signs of distress and connecting individuals with appropriate support services.

Learn More