Addressing tragedy in the classroom

Posted on: 2/5/2015; Updated on: 2/10/2015
By Staff Editor

How to recognize a student is in distress:

  • Erratic or unusual behavior

  • Irritability

  • Hypervigilant

  • Sudden attendance issues

  • Tearfulness

  • Mood changes

  • Withdrawal from friends or class

  • Sudden anxiety

  • Expressing thoughts of death or suicide

 

Addressing a tragic event in your classroom:

  • Ask for counseling center staff to assist in these conversations

  • Be open and honest with students

  • Talk directly about the facts of the situation

  • Do not feel the need to have all the answers

  • Give space/time for students to express their thoughts and feelings

 

How to connect with the counseling center:

  • Call the counseling center to schedule a same-day appointment (803.777.5223)

  • Walk-in to the counseling center for a same-day appointment (Byrnes Building, 7th floor)

  • Extended counseling center hours will be held until 9 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 5) and until 7 p.m. Friday (Feb. 6)

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