A student experiencing difficulty is one who encounters major obstacles to the successful completion of their academic program. While it is typical for students to experience university as a time of significant stress and change, it can become so severe that it poses a threat to academic progress.
Faculty and staff are often in a position to identify students experiencing difficulty and can provide the early intervention that is critical in preventing students from leaving school or demonstrating behaviour that may escalate.
Some Signs that a Student may be at Risk
While the following indicators are important when evaluating a student’s need for assistance, it is important to consider everything known about the student in order to avoid over-interpretation of what may be an isolated incident.
- Marked Changes in Mood or Behaviour
- Difficulties Communicating and/or Distortions of Reality
- Significant Changes in Personal or Cultural Relationships and Identity
- Health Concerns
- Academic Difficulties
- Learning Skills Issues
- Stated Need for Help
- Experience of Violence
For more detailed information we invite you to download: Identifying and Referring Students in Distress: An Information Booklet for Faculty and Staff (PDF format). Information is also available on the Keep Me Safe Program for international students.
Resources for On Campus Consultation
- Student Counselling Centre (ext. 4616)
- Student Accessibility Services (ext. 6172)
- Student Health Services (ext. 7002)
- Assessment and Care Team (ACT; ext. 5072)
UWindsor's Mental Health Strategy is also available online.