Skip to Content
Seton Hall University

Reasons to be Concerned

There are many reasons that a student may stand out to you as potentially needing some assistance. They may be any of the physical, emotional or academic signs listed below, or simply an uneasy feeling that something may not be right. If this is true, please do not hesitate to reach out to any BIT team member, or even the student individually. Sometimes a conversation with the student may help to put some worries at ease.

Below are some common signs that may indicate cause for concern.

Physical Signs

  • Falls asleep in class or other inopportune times
  • A dramatic change in energy level
  • Worrisome changes in hygiene or personal appearance
  • Significant changed in weight
  • Frequent state of alcohol intoxication 
  • Noticeable cuts, bruises or burns

Emotional Signs

  • Inappropriate emotional outbursts
  • Exaggerated personality traits
  • Expressions of hopelessness, fear or worthlessness; themes of suicide, death and dying in papers/projects
  • Direct statements indicating distress, family problems or other difficulties
  • Peer concern about a fellow student

Academic Signs

  • Deterioration in quality/quantity of work
  • A negative change in classroom or research performance
  • Missed assignments or exams
  • Repeated absences from class or from lab
  • Disorganized or erratic performance
  • Decline in enthusiasm in class
  • Student sends frequent, lengthy, “ranting” or threatening types of emails
  • Continual seeking of special provisions

If you have observed any of these signs and are concerned about a particular student, please do not hesitate to consult a BIT team member.

*The above listed concerns were adapted from the University of South Carolina’s Behavioral Intervention Team.