The community’s ability to respond to signs of difficulty

Detection and assistance by staff members

Tools

Identifying and supporting students experiencing difficulties are closely linked to knowing the signs of distress and the support services to which they can be referred. It is also widely recognized that early intervention can limit the impact on mental health and improve success.

This desire is shared by all staff members. With the right tools, they can express their concerns about a student by speaking directly to the person showing signs of difficulty. Technology can also be used to identify students whose academic results show a marked change, or to express concern about a student.

Which actions can help identify and support students experiencing difficulties?

Offering diversified programs or training to equip staff members to identify students who may be experiencing difficulties.
Announcing the services available to staff members to help students in difficulty.
Using technology to identify significant declines in student academic performance.

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Section 3.3 of the Department of Higher Education’s Action Plan on Student Mental Health in Higher Education supports institutions in implementing measures to equip higher education staff with the ability to perceive and respond appropriately to student concerns at the first signs of distress.