UCSB is committed to providing a quaility
learning environment. Faculty, TAs, and staff
will often be the first to encounter a student
who is in distress. Encouraging and helping the
student to seek assistance with the approriate
campus and community resources is key. UCSB
has multiple professionals poised to respond to
distressed students. These staff members include
social workers, psychologists, psychiatrists and
coordinators of student mental health services.
Student Mental Health Coordination Services is a
readily accessible single point of contact for staff,
faculty and students who are concerned about a
distressed student. The coordinators will consult
about a student, provide referrals to campus
departments, develop action plans, and follow up
with students, staff and faculty as appropriate.
Referral Identifiers
Student distress may manifest in concerning behavior or in the
reaction the behaviors may elicit in others. If you notice any of the
following behaviors or reactions, the Distressed Student Protocol
will assist you in responding to the student
and providing appropriate referrals.
Student Behavior
- Behavioral or emotional changes
- Withdrawal or isolation
- Change in hygiene or appearance
- Decline in academic performance
- Excessive or inappropriate anger
- Bizarre thoughts or behavior
- Expressing suicidal statements
Staff/Faculty Reactions to Student’s Behavior
- Feeling uncomfortable about student’s comments or behavior
- Concern about student’s ability to function
- Feeling alarmed or frightened