Often a family member, friend, or EKU faculty or staff member, will be the first to recognize that a student or someone else they know is developing signs of distress. These signs include:
Increased nervousness, agitation, or irritability
Withdrawal from others (isolation)
Sudden changes in academic performance
Sudden changes in personal or classroom relationships
Undue aggressive or abrasive behavior
Infrequent class attendance
Marked change in personal hygiene
Fearfulness
Dependency (e.g., the student who always hangs around you or constantly tries to see you)
Signs of depression (frequent crying, insomnia, oversleeping, sudden weight loss/gain, loss of pleasure)
Drug and alcohol abuse
Talk or threats of suicide
Confusion – including bizarre, alarming, or dangerous behaviors
Examples of situations requiring immediate intervention by the EKU Police include:
If there is concern that a student is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 911 or EKU Police at 859-622-1111.
A student who indicates they have access to a weapon and threatens to use that weapon.
A student attempting suicide.
A student who makes statements or otherwise indicates an intention to harm themselves or others.
How to Make a Referral to EKUCC
Connecting the student to EKUCC can be an effective way to assist them in getting the help they may need through psychotherapy and counseling services. It is also strongly recommended that the student be connected to the EKU Student Assistance and Intervention Team (SAIT). SAIT is able to intervene, provide support, and connect students to additional assistance to be successful at EKU. To refer a student, complete the online SAIT referral form.
SAIT Referral
If you do not believe the student is an imminent threat, some examples of student behaviors that you may report to the SAIT are the following behaviors:
Very unusual;
Troubling or concerning to you or your students;
Disruptive to your classroom, office, residence hall, or other environment;
Causing you or others around you to feel uncomfortable or concerned;
Indicative of the need for mental health resources;
