The following behaviors can all be important signs of distress. As a member of the New Jersey Institute of Technology community, you may notice a student exhibiting one or more of the academic, physical, or emotional signs and decide that something is clearly wrong.
Troubling Behaviors:
Student that is constantly falling asleep in class
A dramatic change in energy level (high or low)
Deterioration in personal hygiene or physical appearance
Frequent state of alcohol intoxication or suspic
Potential self-harm: noticeable cuts, bruises or burns on a student
Repeated absences from class, work study, or normal activities
Apathy/extreme change in participation levels
Student seeking frequent extensions or exceptions for extenuating circumstances
Student sending communication such as frequent, lengthy, “ranting” or agitated types of emails to professors, advisors, coachers, or work supervisors
Emotional outbursts (anger or hostility, frequent crying)
Extreme personality changes; more withdrawn or more animated than usual
Expressed hopelessness, fear or worthlessness; themes of suicide, death and dying
Direct statements related to distress, family issues, or other difficulties
Disruptive Behaviors
Interferes with or disrupts the educational process and rights of other students or the normal functions of the University
Demanding, verbally abusive, bullying or intimidating behaviors
Displays of extreme irritability
Irrational or impulsive behaviors
Threatening Behaviors
Signs of physical abuse
Physical/verbal confrontations
Direct threats of harming self or others
Concerns about references to access or use of a weapon or act of violence
Threatening communication
It is important to note that the University does not expect you to assume the role of counselor, therapist or police officer. For those responsibilities, NJIT has trained professionals who are ready to assist you with students who are of concern to you.
For further concerns, please feel free to call Dean Boger at 973-596-3470.