No matter the size or scope of the crisis – whether it be global or local, national or personal – educators must be prepared to provide their students and colleagues with the support they need when teaching during difficult times. While the particular context of the crisis will inform the best way to respond, and it is essential that instructors assess and adjust their approach accordingly, the following is adapted from Washington University in St. Louis’ resource page “Supporting Students Through Crisis” :
- Acknowledge the Situation and Check-in with Students
In times of tragedy, naming the elephant in the room is critical. Take a minute at the beginning of class to acknowledge what happened. Note that many students may be having a difficult week. Ask them how they are doing. If you are experiencing grief and you are comfortable doing so, you can also let students know that you are having a difficult time grappling with the event(s). Do your best to be present and authentic. Avoid telling students how they should feel or what they should do. It’s also important to avoid suggesting you know how they feel, as everyone experiences grief differently. - You Don’t Need Answers or to Be a Counselor to Help
You don’t have to fix anything for your students and don’t need all the answers to help. Instead, remind them of the professional support available to them at Bryant. Express a willingness to help them find the right resources and normalize getting help and talking through difficult life experiences when you remind them of professional resources that are available to them. Some resources that you can point them toward include:- Office of Counseling Services – (401) 232-6045
Clinicians provide confidential crisis support and follow-up appointments for Bryant students. All conversations are kept confidential within professional and legal guidelines. - Department of Public Safety – (401) 232-6991
Emergency response available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - The PwC Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) – 401-232-6946
The CDI comprises the Intercultural Center, Hochberg Women’s Center, and Pride Center. Together, they work to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment. - Advocacy Helpline via Women’s Center – (401) 258-4209
A 24/7 support network of Bryant staff members who are trained to assist victims of sexual assault. The network provides support, information, and assistance in attaining medical attention. When you get support, you do not have to pursue any specific course of action and no action will be taken unless you choose to do so. - Office of Campus Ministries – (401) 232-6712
Chaplains are available for counseling and support. Call to make an appointment.
- Office of Counseling Services – (401) 232-6045
Note:
Official university communications have pointed students to many of these resources, however, students may be even more likely to reach out for help if a trusted faculty member is sharing them. Do your best to talk about these resources using “resource-positive” language that encourages them to reach out without shame or concern that doing so would make them less well-equipped to succeed than their peers (Addy et al., 2021).
- Give Students Space to Reflect
Consider giving students a few minutes to reflect, journal, or write down something about how they are feeling. This may give students the needed space to acknowledge how they are feeling and process the grief and trauma that they’ve experienced.
Respond to Student Difficulties with Compassion
Students who are suffering from grief, increased anxiety, and/or depression, may struggle to stay on task and to meet deadlines. If students are struggling and reach out to you for help, approach their concerns with compassion and empathy. You may wish to offer an extension. You may be inclined to offer students extra one-on-one time if they were struggling to focus during class. While deadlines serve an important purpose in keeping us on track in a given semester, offering some flexibility in times of extreme trauma can go a long way in helping students feel supported through difficulties. - Circle Back
Checking in soon after a tragedy occurs is important, but taking the time to check back in a few weeks after an event is also critical, especially in supporting students who indicated earlier that they were struggling. By reaching out later, you’re helping the students feel seen and supported at a time when they still may be experiencing difficulties.
resources
Should you wish to talk through any of these strategies or others that you are considering, please feel free to reach out to the CTE for a confidential conversation or contact Ryan Marnane to schedule a time to meet and discuss strategies for embracing a more trauma-informed pedagogy. In addition, you may find these resources at Bryant useful:
- The CARE (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation)
Team is a team of appointed professionals responsible for identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns and/or disruptive behaviors by students who may threaten the health or safety of themselves or the campus community. - The Office of Counseling Services Information Directory
Provides a place for students to discuss multifaceted changes in a private and confidential setting. - The Bias Incident Committee
Developed to address incidents that occur on-campus or at any Bryant-sponsored events. This electronic form is used to report incidents of bias on the Bryant University campus or by Bryant University community members on or off campus or online.
further resources
- Strategies for Supporting Students Through Crisis (Washington University in St. Louis)
- Resources for Teaching After Crises (Northern Illinois University)
- Maya Imad’s writing on coping with trauma
- Teaching in Times of Crisis (Vanderbilt University)