Nebraska Indian Community College
Morningstar College Counseling Services
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Best Practices for Working with Distressed Students

  • Speak with the individual privately
  • Let them know you are concerned and willing to help
  • Listen carefully and compassionately; then, explore options
    • Ask the student if there is a cultural practice that may be helpful to incorporate such as smudging, prayer, contacting a close friend, elder or family member for additional support.
  • Keep healthy boundaries and limits
  • Identify resources and make referrals (e.g., Morningstar Counseling, Student Support Services, Suicide and Crisis Hotline (988), Trevor Project (866-488-7386)).

Possible Signs of Distress

  • Marked change in performance or behavior
  • Excessive absence or tardiness
  • Decreased motivation/concentration
  • Increased irritability or anxiety
  • Exaggerated emotional response that is inappropriate to the situation
  • Increased isolation or sadness
  • Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
  • Marked change in personal hygiene, including weight loss or gain
  • Excessive confusion
  • Bizarre or erratic behavior
  • References to suicide (e.g., feelings of helplessness or hopelessness)
  • References to homicide or assault

If a Student Tells You of a Sexual Assault

Please be aware of any institutional and state requirements regarding mandated reporting.

  • Stay calm and listen. Create an environment where the student can talk and share.
  • Offer your support. Let the student know that they are not to blame for what happened.
  • Let them know that you are available to support them.
  • Empower the student by telling them they have a right to be safe and free from violence.
  • Be honest and up front about reporting the abuse or getting support.
  • Help them find resources to talk with individuals who are trained on these topics:
  • Contact any of the following for immediate assistance:
    • Title IX Coordinator: Anthony Warrior 402-241-5943
    • Dean of Student Services (Macy): 402-241-5908
    • Chief Information Officer (South Sioux City): 402-241-5981
    • Human Resource Director (Santee): 402-241-5972
    • Domestic Violence Support: 1-800-799-7233 or Text “START” to 88788
    • National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
    • Strong Hearts Native Helpline (Two-Spirit Informed): 1-844-762-8483
    • Domestic Violence Prevention Program: 406-252-2550 ext. 114

If you are off-campus and experiencing an emergency situation, you can call local police (see below) or by dialing 911. 

Macy, NE

Santee, NE

South Sioux, NE

More Staff and Faculty Resources

Recognizing Students in Distress
It’s common for college students to experience considerable personal and school-related stress. In an attempt to juggle the demands of college and their personal lives, sometimes students may act out in self-destructive ways and aggressively. Strong feelings of anger, depression and anxiety are common. Sometimes an additional issue or stressor can precipitate a crisis. By […]
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Recognizing Distressed Students
Everyone feels stressed, depressed or anxious from time to time. However, some behaviors occurring over a period of time can suggest that the problems with which the student is dealing are beyond his or her ability to cope. The following three levels of behaviors indicate relative severity of distress. Level 1 Although not disruptive to […]
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Referring to Morningstar Counseling Services
Use this as a guide when needing to refer a student to Morningstar Counseling. **In an emergency, call your local emergency line or 911. **In an emergency, call the local Police Department at 406-353-2933 or 911. Macy, NE Santee, NE South Sioux, NE When in Doubt, Consult If you have specific questions about a student […]
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See, Say, Do Something
If you SEE someone in emotional distress or acting in a manner that is inconsistent from your previous experience, trust your instincts to DO SOMETHING. You can SAY SOMETHING if a student leaves you feeling worried, alarmed, or threatened. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) permits communication about a student of concern in […]
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Resources for Assisting a Student in Distress
As a Faculty or Staff Member, You Can Help! Your Role:  First, staying calm, and being willing to help, knowing whom to call is important in any of these situations. You may choose to approach the student or the student may seek your help with a problem. Below are some suggestions that might help you […]
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Working with Disruptive Individuals
What is disruptive behavior? Behavior that interferes with the campus's learning environment is considered disruptive.It is important to recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts for a brief period of time. What are some examples…? How can I respond to a disruptive person? DO: Communicate your concerns with the appropriate school contact: In […]
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Tips For Working with Students Remotely
What to do when meeting with a student remotely Many faculty and staff work with students remotely. It is important to remember that if a student wants or needs to see a counselor at Morningstar Counseling, our services are available! Morningstar provides counseling services, in addition to other clinical services (e.g. groups, workshops, talking circles) […]
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