- Safety First! Always keep safety in mind as you interact with a distressed individual. If danger seems imminent, call 911 or #UKPD (from a cell phone) for UK Police.
- Avoid Escalation. It is usually not a good idea to assert authority unless you are certain of the individual's mental health status. Distressed individuals are in need of listening and support.
- Ask Direct Questions. Ask the individual directly if they are drunk, confused or if they have thoughts of harming themselves. You need not be afraid to ask these questions. You will not be "putting ideas in their heads" by doing so. Most distressed individuals are relieved to know that someone has noticed and is paying attention.
- Do Not Assume You Are Being Manipulated. Only a thorough assessment can determine this. Attention-seeking or responsibility-avoiding individuals can have serious problems and be in danger, too.
- Know Your Limits/Boundaries. Respect any feelings of discomfort you may have as this may be a sign of over-extension in your helping; focus on getting them the assistance they require. You do not need to serve as a counselor.
- Confidentiality. Don't promise confidentiality to a student.
- Keep a Written Record. This will allow you to maintain details on your concerns for the individual and the efforts you have taken to assist the individual in getting help.
- Offer to walk with the individual to the UK Counseling Center or the VIP Center depending on their needs.
Guide to Working with Individuals of Concern
High Risk Behaviors
Behavior indicates an imminent safety risk to the individual or community
Example Behaviors
- Expressed intent to harm self or others
- Branding a weapon
- Suicide attempt or threat
- Bizarre delusions or hallucinations
What to do?
EMERGENCY: 911
or from a cell phone dial #UKPD (#8573)
Moderate Risk Behaviors
Behavior that is not typically life threatening; may signal that an individual's coping skills are being challenged
Example Behaviors
- Indirect threats to self or others or disturbing content in academic work
- Erratic behavior or expressing hopelessness/helplessness
- Withdrawal from friends or daily activities
What to do?
Document the behavior and refer to the Center for Support and Intervention
Behaviors of Concern
Behavior may interfere with academic or personal success but not likely to indicate a risk to life or safety
Example Behaviors
- Frequent class absences
- Changes in apperance or hygiene
- Difficulty adjusting to college life
- Uncooperative
What to do?
Refer to resources or refer to the Center for Support and Intervention
Intervention Guidelines For Faculty and Staff
Referring an individual to the Center for Support and Intervention
When to refer:
Refer if…your effort to manage a behavioral issue has not resolved the issue;
Refer if…you are concerned about the welfare of an individual, yourself, or others;
Refer if…an individual asks you for help in dealing with personal issues that are outside your role;
Refer if…you have referred the individual in the past and there seems to be no improvement or behavior seems to be worsening.
Information needed to submit an effective referral:
- Your name, contact information and relationship to the individual
- The individual's name, contact information, and, if possible, student ID number
- A brief, factual explanation of your concerns or observations-including dates, time, locations, etc.
- What has been done so far to address the concerns and the individual's response to those efforts
Who should I contact regarding harassment?
A complaint of discrimination or harassment may be initiated by contacting any dean, directory, faculty member, department head, manager, supervisor, or other individual with supervisory or administrative responsibility. Any such individual who receives a complaint of discrimination or harassment shall report the allegation to the Office of Equal Opportunity.
Contact:
Office of Equal Opportunity
13 Main Building,
Phone: 859-257-8927
Support for survivors of sexual violence
Unwanted contact may be in violation of University policy and/or illegal.
Contact UK's Violence Intervention and Prevention Center at 859-257-3574 or UKPD for assistance in accessing and navigating services, resources, and referrals both on and off campus.
Sexual assault, stalking, and relationship violence may be reported to UKPD, Lexington Fayette Urban County Police, UK VIP Center, the Dead of Students Office, the Office of Equal Opportunity, or to any University official.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources for Employees
- Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT)
- Serves as a University-wide resource for information and services to assist instructors in enhancing educational practice.
- C.R.I.S.I.S Program
- Assists University of Kentucky employees who are experiencing personal financial hardship
- Employee Financial Counseling
- Provides a free voluntary counseling and referral service for UK employees
- Employee Relations
- Serves as a database of regulations with resources including the staff shared leave pool
- REFER Program
- A professional mental health clinic for UK employees
- Work + Life Connections Program
- Voluntary and confidential counseling for UK employees
Resources for the Entire UK Community
- Center for Support and Intervention
- Provides a central point of entry for concerns regarding students and employees and connecting individuals to resources
- Office of Equal Opportunity / Title IX Coordinator
- OEO handles complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct for the University of Kentucky
- Office of LGBTQ* Resources
- Supports education, advocacy, and community building for members of the LGBTQ* community on campus
- University of Kentucky Police Department (UKPD)
- Provides quality police services ethically, fairly, and equally
- Veterans Resource Center
- Provides assistance and resources to ease the transition for student and staff veterans
- VIP Center
- Works towards eliminating interpersonal violence through education and support services