Faculty Resources
FAQ: Supporting Colleagues and Students in Crisis
If supervisors and/or employees encounter situations regarding the welfare of an employee, feel uncertain about future action, or if an employee has shared in confidence thoughts of self-harm or harm to others, contact the ADA Resource Center for Equity and Accessibility (accessibility@ku.edu, 785-864-748) or Employee Relations (hrdept@ku.edu, 785-864-4946).
Crises like COVID-19 impact the well-being of all employees. Some individuals with mental health diagnoses may experience an increase in symptoms, and other individuals experience a new mental health diagnosis, such as anxiety or depression as a result of COVID-19.
A supervisor may be the first individual to recognize that an employee needs help. The list below provides some examples of behaviors that may indicate an employee is having a difficult time. This list is not intended to be exhaustive nor should it be used to diagnose a behavioral health issue. Only mental health professionals are qualified to provide a diagnosis.
- Crying spells
- Withdrawal from others
- Neglect of responsibilities and loss of motivation
- Loss of interest in personal appearance
- Use of drugs and/or alcohol
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Displaying extreme mood swing
- Behaving recklessly
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Distracted or preoccupied thought processes
- Lengthy, ranting or threatening communication with staff, faculty, peers, and/or visitors
- Loss of interest in previously desired activities, hobbies, etc.
- Increased absence
- Fear of financial instability
- Fear of loss of employment
- Statements of self-harm or harm to others
- Changes in employee behavior
If you see an employee in need, notify your supervisor and discuss the situation. Then, if you feel comfortable:
- Reach out to the employee.
- Remain calm in your conversation with the employee.
- Ask how you can help.
- Let them know you support them.
- Listen non-judgmentally to their concerns.
- Provide resource information: Employee Assistance Program (1-888-270-8897 option #1) and/or ADA RCEA Mental Health Resource Guide
- Follow up with the employee the following day to offer further support and ensure they have resources they need.
Faculty who Excel at Supporting Students
Below is a list of faculty members who have been recommended to our office as faculty members who support their students in innovative and responsive ways. If you are a faculty with questions on what you can do to ensure your classroom is inclusive of all of your students, please email a faculty below for tips they use in their classrooms.
| Name | Focus | Department | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Giselle Anatol | Professor | English | ganatol@ku.edu |
| Leah Terranova | Assistant Dean | School of Law | leaht@ku.edu |
| Najarian Peters | Associate Professor | School of Law | najarian.peters@ku.edu |
| Tammara Durham | Vice Provost of Student Affairs | Student Affairs | tdurham@ku.edu |
| Ward Lyles | Associate Professor | Urban Planning | w872l929@ku.edu |