Faculty & Staff Resources

We recognize that the college years are a pivotal and transformative period in a student's life, marked by significant growth and, at times, considerable stress. This holds especially true within our diverse community of traditional and non-traditional students, who bring a wide range of intercultural experiences and life stages to our campus. Often, it is our dedicated faculty and staff who are on the frontline, noticing the initial signs of student distress. Recognizing this, we have developed specific resources to equip our faculty and staff with the tools needed to effectively identify and address these signs, and to guide students towards appropriate support services available at the University Counseling Center.

How to Recognize a Student in Distress

Recognizing a student in distress may involve observing changes in academic performance, absences from class, noticeable shifts in mood, or withdrawal from social interactions. Physical signs might include changes in appearance, hygiene, or unexplained bruises. Emotional signals can be expressions of hopelessness, chronic fatigue, or increased anxiety.

How to Respond to a Student in Distress

When responding to a student in distress, it's important to approach them with empathy and concern. Listen attentively and non-judgmentally, and express your concern about their well-being. Encourage them to seek help from the University Counseling Center, and if appropriate, offer to accompany them. Ensure them that seeking help is a sign of strength and a wise step towards recovery.

When Should I Suggest the UCC as a Resource?

Suggest the UCC as a resource when you notice any signs of distress or if a student confides in you about their mental health struggles. Early intervention can help mitigate the complications that may arise if these issues are left unaddressed. Make sure the student understands that counseling services are confidential and can provide support through various challenges.

How Do I Refer a Student to the UCC?

Before making a referral, it would be important to listen first and express your care and concerns to your students with distress. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you talk with them (See the FAQ page for more information):

Gathering information

  • Use open-ended questions
  • Ask for clarification
  • Listen actively and carefully
  • Use silence

Communicating understanding

  • Provide empathy
  • Use reflective statements
  • Paraphrase
  • Summarize and ask if you understood them correctly

Providing support

  • Validate feelings
  • Pay attention to non-verbal communication
  • Take non-judgmental stance
  • Normalize help-seeking

Connect with Additional Resources

How to Talk about the University Counseling Center

De-stigmatize seeking help as much as possible:

  • “Many students use services at the UCC.”
  • “The UCC can help with many different issues.”
  • “The UCC works with students with several different mental health concerns. There is no consequence to setting up an appointment.”
  • “There is no obligation to continue services if you don’t feel its the right fit for you.”

Emphasize:

  • Confidential & NO additional fees to currently registered students residing in TN

Making the Referral

For most students, you can simply share with them the UCC number (615.963.5611) and or e-mail (counseling@tnstate.edu) and encourage them to schedule an appointment. You may also send the UCC an email with the student cc’d (sample template below). The UCC is open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4:30pm, excluding federal and university holidays.

If you think a student is at high risk for suicide/homicide or are concerned about their motivation to follow through with a referral, then it’s best to call the UCC together or accompany them to Counseling Center. Please keep in mind that unless it is determined the student is an imminent risk to themselves or someone else, UCC services are voluntary, and we do not “force” students to meet with us.

Sample E-mail Referral (non-urgent)

I am reaching out to connect (Student) with the University Counseling Center. It may be helpful for them to speak with a counselor. Can you please share with (student) the best way they can set up an appointment?

Referral (urgent)

Please call the UCC during business hours (TSUPD after hours and weekends) to connect with a counselor for URGENT (active suicidal ideation (SI), homicidal ideation (HI), inability to keep themselves and others safe) needs. The UCC can help with contacting Davidson County Mobile Crisis for crisis assessment. The UCC also empowers you to contact Mobile Crisis directly (615.726.0125) if you are immediaty concerned about a student’s safety. Typically Mobile Crisis requests the presence of a campus officer in these situations; it may be beneficial to notify TSUPD as you are contacting Mobile Crisis.

After Making the Referral

Once students schedule an appointment at the University Counseling Center, they will be seen by a counselor after completing intake paperwork. Counselors will listen and provide support and can also help students develop coping strategies. Counselors will also work with students to come up with plans for next steps that meet their needs.

After making the referral, you may be interested in knowing whether your students had an appointment at the UCC and/or what plans were made for them. However, because psychological services are confidential by law, the UCC is not able to share any information with you, unless the student requests this and signs a specific release of information.

Ideally, the student would tell you directly about the outcome of your referral. We encourage you to follow up with the student after you have made a referral. Depending on your relationship with the student, they may tell you whether they were seen and/or about the outcome of their meeting.

Hospitalizations

When you are aware that a student is being transported to a hospital for mental health stabilization needs, please send the UCC an e-mail (counseling@tnstate.edu) with the student’s name, T#, TSU e-mail address, and a general reason why they were transported (e.g active SI, attempt, etc.). The UCC will reach out to the student via e-mail offering support services/referrals once they get back to campus.

Wellness Checks

UCC counselors do not perform wellness checks. Occasionally a parent, friend, colleague, RA/RD or instructor who is concerned about a student's well-being asks the UCC to look into the welfare of a TSU student. If you have reason to be concerned about an emergency health or safety concern related to a student, please call the appropriate police department:

Tennessee State University Police Department (on-campus students):

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency:615.963.5611

Metro Nashville Police Department (off-campus students):

Emergency: 911

Non-emergency 615-862-7887

If there is a situation where we have concerns about the safety of a student currently using UCC services, we will reach out to the student using the contact information that was provided to us. Please recognize our responsibility for student privacy and understand we will use our discretion to appropriately contact the student, if warranted. If you have questions please contact us and we will determine the best course of action given the circumstances.

What If I Encounter a Student in Crisis?

If you encounter a student in active crisis such as harm to themselves or others, immediately call campus security or911. Stay with the student until help arrives, remaining calm and providing reassurance. Do not attempt to handle the situation alone but seek immediate professional assistance.

What if I need Mental Health Resources or Support?

If you, as a faculty or staff member, are seeking mental health resources or support, it's essential to recognize that while the University Counseling Center serves only students, ample resources are available for faculty and staff. You are encouraged to explore options through the university's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which can offer confidential counseling and referrals to external mental health professionals. Additionally, speaking with your healthcare provider or accessing community-based mental health services can provide the necessary support and guidance.