Helping Students Manage Traumatic Events
As members of our Iowa State University community, faculty and staff play a valuable role in supporting our students and our community manage difficult situations. Traumatic situations have a significant impact on the student’s functioning and ability to succeed in the classroom. Students can be impacted by traumatic events, loss (friends/family, other students, or faculty), acts of violence both nationally and locally, or struggle with their own mental health or other life difficulties. As a community of care we provide support for our students through expressing care and helping them connect with the various supports and resources at Iowa State.
Faculty and staff play an important role. You are the eyes and ears of the student experience. Depending on your connection with students, you may be the first person they turn to when experiencing challenges. Review and bookmark the Helping Students Manage Traumatic Events page (Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost).
Essential Resources
Our colleagues in Student Counseling Services and Office of Student Assistance developed the following to help us through these times:
- When terrible things happen – what you may experience (PDF) to help students learn about normal reactions to tragic events.
- Connecting with others – giving social support (PDF) shares how to care for and support students in these situations and gives tips on coping
- Student Counseling Services How to get started info Sheet (PDF)
Student Counseling Services
Offers crisis assessment by calling the center (515-294-5056) during business hours M-F.
You can also reach crisis services all hours by:
- Calling 1-800-273-8255
- Texting “ISU” to 741741
- going to a local Emergency Room or calling 911
ISU WellBeing
ISU WellBeing’s focus continues to be supporting a ‘thriving culture of well-being”, especially in these uncertain and challenging times. It is easy to feel out of control, overwhelmed, and depressed. Know you are not alone. Along with staying informed and keeping community, we want you to be mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually well. Learn more on the well-being in challenging times page.
Resources for students
- Student Counseling Service, 515-294-5056
- Thielen Student Health Center, 515-294-5801
- Student Assistance, 515-294-1020
Resources for faculty and staff
- Your Department Chair or Supervisor
- Employee Assistance Program, 1-800-327-4692
- University Ombuds, 515-294-0268 or ombuds@iastate.edu
- University Human Resources, 515-294-4800 or hrshelp@iastate.edu
- Supporting Graduate Students in Distress: Creating a community of care on campus YouTube video
This resource was first published on August 31, 2020 to the CELT website.
