Responding to Students

• Tell the student the behaviors you have noticed and are concerned about as clearly and directly as possible, e.g., "I've noticed that you haven't been in class or turned in assignments for the past 2 weeks".

• Ask the student if they are OK, e.g., "I'm concerned about you, is everything OK?".

• Listen with empathy and without judgment, e.g., "That sounds hard,".

• Encourage students to seek help, e.g., "I know quite a few students who have gone to see Andrew, Masha, and Frank at Counseling Services and it really helped them get through hard times. Counseling Services is open until 4:30 PM. They usually take walk-ins if you want to talk to someone right now,".

• Take care of yourself. Working with students who are struggling can be taxing. If you find yourself being short-tempered, anxious, or avoiding particular students, you can call us to consult about ways to help you and/or the student.

• Remind students of your requirement to report any sexual misconduct to the Title IX office and give students the choice to disclose to you, the Title IX office, or a confidential resource.

Distressed and/or Disruptive Students

• How to Help a Student in Distress
• UH Hilo Care Team: Learn the signs of a student that may be in distress and behaviors that warrant a referral to the Care Team.
• Student Conduct and Managing Disruptive Students

Responding to Sexual Assault, Harassment, Stalking, Domestic or Dating Violence

If faculty or staff have a feeling that a student may disclose something that student may want to remain confidential, the employee should inform the student that Student Medical Services and Counseling Services are the only confidential resources on campus.

Expectations of All UH Hilo Employees

All employees (other than established confidential resources) have the obligation to report incidents of sexual misconduct that impacts UH Hilo students and staff. Employees are expected to promptly contact the UH Hilo Title IX Coordinator when the employee has knowledge of an incident of sexual misconduct that affects UH Hilo students and staff. The Title IX Coordinator will take responsibility for prompt reporting to Campus Security and other appropriate UH Hilo officials as needed.

For more information and other resources, please see:

• Title IX Office:
  • Shaunda Makaimoku, Title IX Coordinator: (808) 932-7818
• UH Interim Policy and Procedure on Sex Discrimination and Gender-Based Violence
• Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence
• Student Medical Services: (808) 932-7369 (confidential resource)

Responding to Students who may be Thinking of Suicide

For actively suicidal students and/or those refusing help, call UH Hilo Campus Security (808) 974-9711 or 911.

If a student displays behaviors that indicates that they may be considering self-harm and would like help, help the student call Counseling Services (808) 932-7465 during office hours (7:45 AM to 4:30 PM) and indicate that there is an emergency. Walk with the student to Counseling Services if possible.

After hours, refer the student to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. If possible, stay with the student until someone arrives from Crisis Mobile Outreach.

Training is available through our Suicide Prevention Program to assist you in learning how to speak to someone you are concerned about.

Confidentiality

Please remember that we cannot disclose any information about students, including whether or not they attend counseling, without the student's written consent.