Helping a student who is having a difficult time can be challenging.
Help is available if you are concerned for the safety or well-being of a student or yourself. The Office of the Dean of Students (ODoS) serves as a point of contact in matters of student well-being, worrisome student behaviour, and emergencies involving McGill students on campus or anywhere in the world.
If a McGill student or community member is in immediate danger, call 911. If you are able to, please then call Security Services, who will coordinate with emergency responders.
Security Services
Downtown: 514-398-3000
Macdonald: 514-398-7777
Err on the side of caution in situations where there is no immediate danger. Early intervention can address issues before they escalate. Notify ODoS' Case Managers even in situations when you are unsure whether intervention is required.
Case Managers
Email: casemanager [at] mcgill.ca (casemanager[at]mcgill[dot]ca)
Phone: 514-398-4990
Instructors may also use the Early Alert System in MyCourses to notify a Case Manager if they are concerned about a student.
Early Alert System
When an instructor uses the Early Alert System in MyCourses, the system will advise the Case Managers in ODoS that the student is experiencing difficulty. Case Managers review each alert and act accordingly. Instructors will receive an email confirmation to let them know that their submission is being reviewed. If you have a concern and want to initially ask a question without including the student's name, you are welcome to do so.
All submissions are confidential. Only personnel who are integral to the coordinated response will be informed of the situation, if deemed necessary. The information gathered and exchanged through this tool will not appear on the student's transcript. The information gathered and exchanged through this tool will not be stored in myCourses or anywhere else.
Additional information and resources
Helping Student in Difficulty resource
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
What does the Office of the Dean of Students do in an emergency?
In emergencies, ODoS:
- 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.
