How should I approach a student about seeing a counselor?
- Always address your concerns with the student in private.
- Let the student know that your intent is to help her/him achieve success in college
- Show genuine interest while sharing your specific concerns about the student’s actions or reactions in class.
- Contact Leeanne Hadsel ahead of time, if desired, to discuss a strategy for approaching a student.
- You may be able to facilitate the referral by encouraging the student to call for an appointment while in your office. Sometimes it is less intimidating for the student if the instructor calls to see if a counselor is available, and then walks over to the counselor’s office with the student.
- The student can call one of the counselors directly to make an appointment.
- Walk-in services are usually available for situations that require immediate attention. Otherwise, encourage the student to make an appointment.
- The student may not act immediately on your suggestion. She/he may need time to think about making an appointment. If the situation does not appear critical, gently inquire about the situation later.
What should I do when a student’s behavior disrupts the class?
- Inappropriate behavior can be distracting for the instructor and students. It is advisable for faculty members to clearly inform students of behavioral expectations at the beginning of the semester and include them in the syllabus.
- If you are not sure if a problem is a disciplinary or a counseling issue, please contact Leeanne Hadsel to discuss the situation. There are students on campus, who have inappropriate behavior related to a disability. Although they must also abide by behavioral expectations, this can sometimes be more easily facilitated by a team approach with a counselor.
- If a problem arises, speak to the student privately after class.
- If the problem persists, refer to the student discipline policy in the MWCC Student Handbook.
- In cases requiring immediate action for safety, request assistance from Campus Police, by using the emergency telephone in the hallway.
Report a Student or Behavioral Concern
Mount Wachusett Community College seeks to foster a climate of safety and student success that requires the involvement and concern of all College community members. To facilitate this process, this report has been provided to encourage faculty, staff, students, and other community members to report observed behavior that warrants concern for the safety of the community and/or the safety of an individual. MWCC’s CARE (Community Action, Response & Evaluation) Team reviews reports and gathers information to make the most informed decisions about how best to intervene.
Faculty, staff, students, and others may refer a student who may be struggling with academic, personal, or emotional difficulties or who may be exhibiting concerning behavior.
Students referred will be contacted and offered assistance by the appropriate support service or office.
If this is an emergency, please call 1111 or notify Campus Police at 978-630-9150.
Referrals made using this form do not violate student privacy rights.
If you have questions, please contact the Dean of Students and/or Counseling Services at 978-630-9855.