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Counseling Services

A Guide For Faculty And Staff

Many students encounter stress during their stay at the Doña Ana Community College (i.e., academic, social, family, work, and finance). Most students deal successfully with the demands of college life, for others pressures can become overwhelming and unmanageable. Students can feel alone, isolated, helpless and even hopeless. These feelings can disrupt academic performance, may result in substance abuse, acting out behavior, and even the threat or attempts at suicide.

Faculty and staff are in the position to assist students who are in distress. You expression of interest, caring and concern may assist struggling students to reestablish balance in their lives. The image of caring and trustworthiness may help students succeed academically and in their lives.

The following may help you recognize symptoms of student distress and provide options for intervention and referral. DACC Counseling Services and community resources are available in consultation and guidance on responding to students.

Identifying Symptoms of Students in Distress

Marked changes in performance and behavior:

  • Poor performance and preparation
  • Excessive absences or tardiness
  • Repeated requests for special consideration when it represents a change in behavior
  • Avoiding participation
  • Dominating discussions
  • Extremely anxious when called upon
  • Disruptive behavior
  • Exaggerated or inappropriate emotional response

Unusual Behavior or Appearance

  • Depressed or lethargic mood
  • Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
  • Deterioration in personal hygiene or dress
  • Dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality

References to Emotional or Life Stressors

  • Problems with roommates, family or romantic partners
  • Experiencing the death of a significant other
  • Experiencing discrimination based on gender, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disabilities
  • Experiencing legal difficulties

References to Suicide, Homicide or Death

  • Signs of helplessness or hopelessness
  • Verbal or written references to suicide
  • Isolation from friends, family, and classmates

Suggested Actions

  • Take the time to talk to the student in private. Provide your undivided attention. Even a few minutes of listening on your part can create an environment of caring and support. This may lead to confidence in you and in them. Express your concerns a nonjudgmental way, i.e. "I notice you have been absent lately and I am concerned" as opposed to "Where have you been? You should be more concerned about your grades."

  • Listen to the student's thoughts and feelings. Check your understanding by reflecting what was said back to the student. Let the student talk. Some silence can be extremely helpful.

  • Assure the student that there are things that they can do. Suggest resources such as friends, family, clergy, or counselors. Recognizing limits to provide encouragement that will allow the student to seek out assistance from professionals. Be clear about your function to help resolve academic issues and support the student in seeking personal assistance.

  • Let them know that help is available and that seeking help is a sign of courage and strength. Be aware that options for referral will depend on the time of day. DACC Counseling Services in room 117 (527-7548) are available from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday for appointments and crisis intervention. After hours and on weekends students can call the Southwest Counseling Center 24-hour crisis line, 526-3371, La Piñon, 526-3437 (for sexual assault issues), La Casa, 526-9513 (shelter for battered and in children), Memorial Medical Center, 521-2286 (Emergency Department).

  • Arrange time to follow-up with the student to reinforce their acting on their own to obtain assistance and demonstrate your commitment. Continue to provide support for the student to seek another referral if necessary.

If you have any questions as to appropriate intervention contact DACC Counseling Services at 527-7548. You may use the counseling e-mail address coundacc@nmsu.edu to contact a counselor. For emergencies after hours or on weekends call 911 and the NMSU Police, 646-3311.