The Lynx Red Folder guides faculty, staff, and other community members who interact with students at MAX to recognize distressed students, respond effectively to them, and refer them.
The tool helps you identify common signs of student distress. It guides community members through campus protocol to clarify who they should contact in an emergency. The folder also provides tips for approaching a student who may be in distress and connecting that student with the appropriate resource.
- Recognize: Recognize the signs or indications that students may be in distress.
- A student’s behavior may indicate that they are in distress or need help. You may be the first person to recognize these signs.
- Academic, physical, physiological, or safety signs
- Signs of distress could include:
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Decrease in personal hygiene
- Mention of isolation, helplessness, self-harm, suicide
- Direct or indirect threats to harm self and/or others
- Respond: Tips on how to respond.
- Identify specific behaviors of concern.
- Address the situation privately with the individual(s).
- Consult with a colleague, the Department Head, the Office of Student Outreach & Support, the Dean of Students Office, or the Student Counseling Center.
- Refer the student to an appropriate College resource. See the referral phone numbers in this publication for help.
- Report: Share the concern with the appropriate campus offices.
- Remember that it is NOT your responsibility to provide professional help for troubled or disruptive students. You only need to make the necessary contact on their behalf.
- Submit the
- Refer: Review the various options and resources to help you determine the appropriate next steps.
- Refer the student to the appropriate campus resources.
On-Campus Resources
Athletics
Campus Dining (Café Bon Appetit)
Campus Safety
Division of Student Life
Office of Prevention and Well-being Education
Office of Residence Life
Office of Student Engagement
Office of Student Communities
Office of the Chaplain
Emergency Situations
- On-Campus: Campus Safety 901-843-3333 (emergency); 901-843-3880 (non-emergency)
- Off-Campus: 9-1-1
Reporting Options
Hotline/Textline Resources
- LynxConnect: 24/7/365 Support Line: 1-855-850-4301
- : 988
- Crisis Textline: Text HOME to 741741
- (resource for young people of color): text STEVE to 741741
- (resource for LGBTQ young people): 1-866-488-7386; text START to 678678
- Tennessee Crisis Text Line: “I need help now.” Text TN to 741741
- Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network: 1-800- 273-TALK (8255)
- Memphis Crisis Center "A lifeline of hope": 901-274-7477
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
This resource also contains guidelines, contact information for campus support services, and procedures to follow when someone is concerned about a student's behavior, well-being, or safety.