For Faculty, Staff and Families

RISD faculty and staff are well positioned to notice students who need support or intervention. But in order to help, you need to know what signs to look for.

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the indicators listed below so that we can all be there for our student community.

• Talk to the student in private when you have time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Privacy is key—it can help the student overcome embarrassment and defensiveness.
• Listen sensitively and without judgment. Discuss your concerns in terms of what you see and don’t offer analysis. An example would be to say “I’ve noticed you’ve been absent from class lately and I’m concerned.”
• Repeat back what the student tells you to show that you understand them. Include both content and feelings in how you respond (i.e., “It sounds like you’re not accustomed to our campus and feel left out”). Let the student drive the conversation.
• Offer hope and assure the student that help is available. Help them identify options for action and explore possible outcomes.
• Set clear, consistent boundaries and expectations. Be honest about the limits of how you can help.
• Refer the student to us or a crisis care provider if the problem is more serious than you can handle or if the student still needs assistance after you’ve done your part.