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BIT - Tips for Staff 

Tips for Staff when Addressing Student Behavioral Concerns



First…

• Consult with a department chair, Dean or another campus resource to discuss your plans.
• Call the College Conduct Officer, Security Services, or the Director of Student Affairs to talk about your     concerns with the student.
• If you feel comfortable doing so, invite the student to meet with you for a conversation.

Meet in a quiet but safe place (both for you and the student). Listen attentively and respond in a straightforward and considerate, but firm, way. State specifically what behaviors you have observed and why you are concerned about the student.

Outline your goals and (if appropriate) ask the student to outline his/her goals for the meeting. Work to understand what is causing distress for the student. Acknowledge his/her feeling and let the student know you want to help him/her resolve the problem.

Listen carefully. Paraphrase what the student is telling you, so you can be sure you understand the situation. Avoid aggressive or dominating body language and keep your voice slow and calm to try and keep the student relaxed.

Talk about the situation as a challenge that you will work together to solve, suggesting assignment and/or class options that will help the student. Encourage the student to seek support and assistance from family, friends, and others as appropriate, and perhaps to contact Counseling Services (be sure to give the student the information to do so).

Help set up initial meetings for the student with the appropriate departments. When contacting a campus resource, have available as much information as possible, including your name; the student’s name and location; a description of the circumstances and the type of assistance needed;

***Note that appropriately seeking help is a sign of strength and not weakness: “We all need help on occasion.”

***Consider establishing a Behavioral Success Plan to identify solutions to improving the concern or behavior. See Information for Staff page for sample Behavioral Success Plans.

Follow-up - After discussing the problem with the student and discussing a plan, you might need to pursue further action if the behaviors of concern persist.
If the situation seems more hostile (i.e., you are concerned about the student’s or your own immediate safety), contact Security Services at 920-735-5691 or by email or text at security@fvtc.edu

Appleton Campus photo

   Maintained by:

   Shannon Gerke Corrigan

   Last Modified:
   9/13/2012 2:08:28 PM

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