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University of Wisconsin–Madison
Instructor Handbook

Recognizing Student Distress

All students may experience issues and concerns that impact their ability to perform academically and University Health Services regularly consults with faculty, staff, and parents who have concerns about students. Their ‘For Faculty & Staff‘ page is a wonderful resource for any questions about how you can help distressed students.

UHS has created the Red Folder Program, promoting, protecting, and restoring student health and well-being. The link will take you to a PDF chart including how to recognize, respond, and refer students for mental health, medical, victimization, and additional concerns.

 

At-Risk for University Faculty & Staff

At-Risk is a UHS sponsored online, interactive program that builds skills in interacting effectively with students in distress. We encourage all faculty and staff to complete this 40-minute training designed to help you:

  1. Recognize students experiencing high levels of distress
  2. Respond to students and determine the need for referral
  3. Refer the student to campus or local resources and services available

To access the At-Risk training program, please follow these instructions:

  • Click Link: www.kognitocampus.com/faculty
  • Click “Access Training”
  • Fill out form using enrollment key: wisc608
  • Note: No identifying information will be liked with responses in the program.

Completing this training and acting with the resulting knowledge will improve our campus climate around mental health and contribute to the success of your students. If you have questions, please contact Valerie Kowis at suicideprevention@uhs.wisc.edu. You can also visit the Umatter Suicide Prevention website for more information.

 

KNOW THE LIMITS OF YOUR OWN RESPONSIBILITY. You are not a counselor or medical doctor, and you are not responsible for the student’s emotional well-being. There are phenomenal resources on campus who are dedicated to supporting students. Referring them to professionals is the best course of action.