{"id":712,"date":"2022-07-25T15:46:25","date_gmt":"2022-07-27T18:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/graduate-assistants\/handbook\/best-practices-for-graduate-assistant\/students-in-distress\/"},"modified":"2026-03-19T12:23:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T17:23:37","slug":"students-in-distress","status":"publish","type":"handbook","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/graduate-assistants\/handbook\/best-practices-for-graduate-assistant\/students-in-distress\/","title":{"rendered":"Students in Distress"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Graduate Assistants sometimes encounter undergraduate students who are distressed. 51ÁÔÆæ\u2019s policy SAAP 1-5 on Behavior Cases Impeding Learning Process<\/a> addresses the shared responsibility of instructors and students for a positive educational environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Distressed behavior involves issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol or drug problems, financial difficulties, depression, or difficulty concentrating. These may be mental health issues or the results of stressful events that diminish academic performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a Graduate Assistant is concerned for a distressed student\u2019s wellbeing, they should reach out to the student privately to find out if the student needs support or assistance. Sometimes both faculty instructors and Graduate Assistants are reluctant to engage distressed students because they do not want to say the wrong thing. However, for many students, simply knowing someone cares can make all the difference. An ability to be empathetic and express concern may be a critical factor in helping a student get help or resolve their problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Student Health and Wellness Center provides a useful guide for all instructors, including Graduate Assistants, <\/a>Online Guide to Students in Distress<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for addressing distressed behavior from SAAP 1-5 include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n