Continuing Education Noncredit
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Glendale Community College Verdugo CampusGarfield Campus Continuing EducationMontrose CampusProfessional Development Center

Identifying Students of Concern

Classes, coursework, family, friends, and work may place a great deal of stress on college students. Some students successfully cope with their stress while others feel overwhelmed, anxious or depressed. Students feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope may experience mild, moderate, or severe symptoms. These symptoms may impair a student’s ability to function academically and/or socially.

Often faculty and staff are the first ones to recognize that particular students are not thriving, or had had a significant change to their behavior. The ability of faculty and staff to recognize signs of concern or distress and to make appropriate referrals can have a significant impact on the welfare of these students.

Below, please find common causes and symptoms that impair students’ academic, social or interpersonal functioning.

  • Relationship issues
  • Grief and loss
  • Changes within the family, such as divorce or a move
  • Transition and adjustment to college
  • Acculturation
  • Identity questions
  • Serious illness or injury (self or family)
  • Substance abuse (self or family)
  • Financial concerns

  • Sporadic or infrequent attendance
  • Changes in attendance or participation pattern
  • Excessive tardiness
  • Decrease in motivation
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Sleeping in class
  • Frequent requests for extensions
  • Uncharacteristic poor performance
  • Attending class under the influence
  • Academic integrity issues

  • Noticeable change in mood
  • Loss of interest in activities
  • Destruction of property
  • Inappropriate displays of emotion
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Marked changes in personal hygiene
  • Listlessness or lack of energy
  • Dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Disjointed thoughts
  • Speaking too loudly or fast
  • Hallucinations
  • Writing or behavior that might be interpreted at threatening

  • Frequently talking about personal problems
  • Dependency
  • Excessive attention seeking
  • Alcohol/drug abuse interfering with personal relationships
  • Reports of complaints or concerns expressed by other students, faculty or staff

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS OF CONCERNDEALING WITH DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM