A message to all faculty and staff from the ASU Counseling Services

Promoting student welfare and campus safety:

At ASU we care about the success and well-being of our students, and we know that some students may need our assistance or support when stress or anxieties interfere with their personal and academic goals.  The midterm test period is upon us, and this time can be particularly stressful for some of our students. In addition, the continuing local, national, and international economic crisis be adding stress in our students' lives. As someone who interacts with students on a regular basis, you are in a pivotal position to identify inconsistent behavior that may constitute "a cry for help."  Your expression of concern and empathy could be helpful to a student in distress. 

Are you concerned about a student's physical or mental health?  Has a student's behavior caused you to worry about his or her potential actions? Students experiencing stress or a sense of being overwhelmed may exhibit their problems in a variety of ways. Warning signs indicating a distressed or emotionally troubled student may include:

• Nervousness or agitation
• Increased irritability 
• Undue aggressive or abrasive behavior
• Excessive procrastination and/or poorly prepared work
• Pattern of infrequent class attendance, little or no work completed
• Depression or lack of energy
• Marked change in personal hygiene
• Withdrawal, indecisiveness and/or confusion 
• Bizarre, alarming or dangerous behaviors such as written or verbal threats to harm oneself or others 

When you see these signs, we encourage you, if possible, to speak directly to the student and to also seek consultation from University resources. 

For a link to comprehensive resources, go to:  http://www.asu.edu/studentaffairs/safety/

For a link to ASU Counseling Services go to:  http://students.asu.edu/counseling

For emergency situations. ASU Department of Public Safety (911) or EMPACT (480.921.1006). 

We hope you find this information helpful.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for reaching out to our students!

Martha Dennis Christiansen
Director, Counseling and Consultation at the Tempe and West campuses
ASU - Tempe Campus
martha.christiansen@asu.edu   

Joel Hutchinson
Director, Student Counseling Services
ASU - Polytechnic Campus
joelh@asu.edu

Aaron Krasnow
Associate Director, Counseling and Consultation at the Tempe and West Campuses
ASU - West Campus
aaron.krasnow@asu.edu

Sonja Sollenberger
Senior Outreach Counselor,
ASU Health Center
ASU - Downtown Phoenix Campus
sonja.sollenberger@asu.edu