Responding to Distressed Individuals

IF THIS IS AN EMERGENCY and/or there is a potential threat to you or someone else:
Call 911 or Campus Safety at 909-607-2000

Faculty, staff, friends, family and other students are often the first-responders to a student in distress. Encouraging and supporting the student to pursue assistance with the appropriate campus and community resources is vital. If you are concerned for the health and wellness of a Pitzer Student, please complete the Student of Concern Referral form here .

Pitzer Case Manager, Stephanie Hannant (909-607-2429) is an available point of contact for faculty, staff, students or anyone in the Pitzer College Community who is concerned about a distressed student.

Role of Case Manager and On-Call staff in relation to distressed individuals:

  • Consultation regarding Pitzer College student or community member
  • Provide referrals to other campus departments or 7c resources
  • Develop safety and wellness plan
  • Contact Campus Safety and/or Monsour Counseling as deemed appropriate

On-Campus and Community Crises Hotlines and Resources

Crisis and Community Hotlines

The Claremont Colleges Care Guide

Title IX Reporting and Resources 

Title IX Coordinator, Corinne Vorenkamp. Phone: 909-607-2958 or Email: [email protected]

Pitzer College Title IX

Distressed, Disruptive or Dangerous?

A distressed student may present as anxious, withdrawn, confused, hopeless, unmotivated, irritable, significant academic changes (missing work or poor attendance), physical changes, etc. If you are concerned that a student is distressed, but NOT imminently at risk for harm to self or others, please contact Stephanie Hannant, Case Manager at 909-607-2429 or Monsour Counseling 909-621-8202

A disruptive student displays behaviors that interrupt other students, staff or faculty’s academic or residential environment or interferes with normal daily functions of the college. If a student is causing a disruption, but NOT imminently at risk for harm to self or others, please contact Stephanie Hannant, Case Manager at 909-607-2429 or Monsour Counseling 909-621-8202 or Campus Safety 909-607-2000

A dangerous student’s behaviors are imminently threatening, dangerous or harmful to themselves or others in the community.  Contact Campus Safety immediately at 909-607-2000

Tips for Talking with a Distressed Student

Safety First: Safety and welfare of Pitzer students and the Community is a top priority; especially if a student displays harm to self or others and additional concerning behaviors. Do not hesitate to call for help.

Be Empathic and Listen Sensitively: use a non-confrontational approach with a calm voice and relaxed body language. Avoid judgmental advice or blaming the student.

Be Proactive: Engage students early on and encourage them to connect with resources. If you see something, say something.

Self-Care: Supporting students can be hard on our overall wellness.  For additional support services, contact case manager or Human Resources for more support and resources.

Be Direct: Ask students directly if they are under the influence of substances, feeling confused  or disoriented, experiencing hopelessness or have thoughts of harming themselves or others.

Follow Through: do your best to make sure the student is connected with case management or another resource.  Feel free to walk a student over to student affairs or follow up with an email or phone call.

Consultation and Documentation: Depending on your job description and department, check with your supervisor on how best to document student interactions and consultation with colleagues. It is recommended to document important interactions through email, Maxient database, and other written correspondence.

Never Promise Confidentiality: Unless you are bound by different confidentiality and reporting laws (such as a clinician or survivor advocate) you can never guarantee confidentiality.  Please read FERPA’s website for confidentiality and reporting. https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html?