Helping a student who is having a difficult time can be challenging.
If you're concerned with the well-being or safety of a student, the Office of the Dean of Students (ODoS) can provide support. If you want to ask a general question about student well-being, you are welcome to do so via email.
Err on the side of caution in situations where there is no immediate danger. Early intervention can address issues before they escalate. Notify ODoS' Case Managers even in situations when you are unsure whether intervention is required.
Case Managers, Crisis Response Team
Email: casemanager [at] mcgill.ca (casemanager[at]mcgill[dot]ca)
Phone: 514-398-4990
Instructors may also use the Early Alert System in MyCourses (see below) to notify a Crisis Response Team Case Manager that they are concerned about a student.
If a 海角社区 student or community member is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are able to, please then call Security Services, who will coordinate with emergency responders.
Security Services
Downtown: 514-398-3000
Macdonald: 514-398-7777
Early Alert System
The Early Alert System in MyCourses is programmed to immediately advise the Crisis Response Team Case Managers that a student is in difficulty and that you are concerned. Instructors will get a confirmation via email to let them know that their alert has been received.
Case Managers monitor the Early Alert System Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
All alerts are confidential. The information gathered and exchanged between instructors and Case Managers will not appear on the student's transcript or be stored in MyCourses.
Confidentiality
ODoS upholds Quebec privacy legislation, which does not permit any information about a student to be released to any third party without the student鈥檚 prior written consent. This includes instructors, members of a student鈥檚 family, and friends. Some emergencies may give rise to exceptions under provincial law. In this case, an emergency is defined as a situation in which a student鈥檚 health or well-being is seriously at risk.
Tips for talking to a student in distress of crisis
- Let a colleague know that you're going to be talking with a student having a difficult time and make sure they are close by in case the situation escalates.
- Find a safe space for you and the student to talk openly.
- Stay calm and be sensitive to what the student is experiencing, both elements of active listening.
- Validate that what the student is experiencing can be difficult.
- Refer the student to a Case Manager, Crisis Response Team.
- If the student appears to be in crisis and there is no immediate risk of harm, however you feel they need more support, offer the student the option to speak with a member of the Case Manager, Crisis Response Team. You may also ask a colleague to call ODoS to explain the situation for a referral.
- If you become concerned for their safety or your own, call Security (see above) or 911.
Resources Guide
The Office of the Dean of Students has created a quick reference resource for staff and faculty to help them identify signs in student behaviour and where they could direct students for support.
