College Students in Crisis

Campus housing professionals, and Resident Assistants (RAs) in particular, are often faced with the challenge of identifying and assisting students who struggle with the transition to college and those students finding themselves in crisis. The challenge is compounded when these staff members, often students themselves, experience their own transitions and stress.This article provides a primer on identifying students in crisis as well as the tasks faced when working with students in transition and crisis. The prevalence of distress reported by students is followed by a review of the unique stressors encountered by entering students. This article highlights the importance of, and challenges with, identifying students in need, engaging them in supportive ways, and considering broader prevention efforts on campus. Implications for confidentiality, creating a supportive campus climate, and supporting residence life staff mental health needs are discussed.