Helping Students in Difficulty
This resource, created by the Office of the Dean of Students, is your guide for what to do and who to contact in emergencies, crises, and worrisome or difficult situations.
Helping Students in Difficulty
Tools for talking to students who are in distress or crisis
- Engage in active listening (ex., stay calm and be sensitive to what the student is experiencing without interrupting)
- Validate what the student is experiencing
- Find a safe space for you and the student to talk openly
- Refer the student to a Case Manager or to an appropriate resource, as needed
Emergency Contacts
Experienced personnel are available to reach out to the student with a confidential and respectful approach. Early support and intervention is always best.
The Office of the Dean of Students
In case of an emergency or a crisis involving McGill students, as individuals or as a group, on campus, or anywhere in the world, The Office of the Dean of Students is the main contact. The Dean of Students works closely with Student Services and Security Services to ensure student safety and well-being on both campuses.
What does the Office of the Dean of Students do in an emergency?
In emergencies, the Office of the Dean of Students:
- Gathers and verifies relevant information, ensuring accuracy. Verifies student's status and coordinates accordingly.
- Initiates liaison with appropriate departments and services as needed.
- Liaises with Residence Directors in cases involving students housed in Residences.
- Disseminates information to appropriate individuals in the University at large.
- Informs fellow students and colleagues affected by a crisis about the range of Student Services available to them.
- Is the University’s point of contact with families.
- Communicates with the student body in collaboration with senior university administrators.
- Keeps senior administration informed of developments, as appropriate.
Contact the Office of the Dean of Students
deanofstudents [at] mcgill.ca
514-398-4990
Other Emergency Contacts
If you are unsure of how to proceed, or are concerned for the safety of the student or others, contact security services first.
The Case Manager, Office of the Dean of Students is the contact for any issue regarding student well-being.
The Executive Director of Student Services mobilizes specific resources to address the identified needs of a student in distress.
Contact Security Services
Downtown: 514-398-3000
Macdonald: 514-398-7777
Contact the Case Manager
or 514-398-4990
Contact Executive Director,
Student Services
514-398-4430