The Restorative Relations and Student Supports (RR&SS) department works collaboratively with faculty and staff to identify, support, and respond to concerns about students who may be experiencing distress or facing challenges in their academic or personal lives. As key members of the UNBC community, your role in recognizing and addressing these concerns is invaluable. The Early Assist form is a simple and confidential way to refer students who may need additional support.
Within all post-secondary institutions there are student complexities that require attention from faculty and staff. Responding promptly and effectively to student needs leads to better academic performance, increased student retention, and a higher overall state of well-being.
Student needs can be complex, and you might be the first person to recognize that a student is experiencing distress or notice a change in their behaviour.
Recognize: Pay attention to signs that a student may be struggling. These can include social withdrawal, changes in appearance such as fatigue or neglect of personal hygiene, emotional shifts like irritability or expressions of hopelessness, and academic disengagement, such as missed assignments or sudden drops in grades. Early recognition of these indicators allows you to provide timely support.
Respond: When you notice signs of distress, approach the student with care and express your observations. Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions to understand their situation better. If appropriate, offer to connect them with further support services. Acknowledge their feelings with empathy and reassure them of your willingness to help. Simple statements like, “Is there anything I can do to help you?” can make a big difference.
Reflect: After supporting a student, take time to reflect on your own needs and boundaries. Recognize that you cannot control how others respond and that your role is to guide them to appropriate resources. Ensure you care for yourself during this process, and if needed, reach out to UNBC Employee Well-being for additional support.
Not sure whether to submit an Early Assist form? When in doubt, fill one out.
Note: Early Assist is not for emergencies. In an emergency, call Security 250-960-7058 or 911.
Questions from Faculty and Staff about Early Assist
Questions from Faculty and Staff about Early Assist
UNBC employees should report their concerns to Early Assist if they:
- Have concerns about a student’s well-being or behaviour, especially if it’s a concern that may cause the student longer term problems if not addressed early
- Have tried to provide support that is not working
- Are unsure about what to do, who to call, or how to help
Referrals to Early Assist fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Behavioural Concerns
- Health & Well-being
- Non-Academic Misconduct
You can always refer a student directly to a support service.
It is important to acknowledge that it can be difficult for some students to ask for help. When you submit a Early Assist referral, we have the ability to follow up with a student where there may be barriers to accessing support services.
The Restorative Relations and Student Supports (RR & SS) Department receives and assesses the referral. If action is needed, the RR & SS reaches out to the student for an intake to understand their situation. They will then collaborate on creating a plan of support if needed.
Any information submitted through Early Assist is confidential and falls under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information will be kept confidential unless the situation necessitates or as required by law.
The Restorative Relations and Student Supports (RR & SS) Department will attempt to contact the student by email and/or telephone. If the department does not hear back from the student, the matter is considered closed. An exception to this would be if there is a concern for the student’s safety or behavioural concerns that impact the well-being of the UNBC community (i.e., Non-academic Misconduct).
It is the student’s choice whether or not to respond. Students can access support at any time even if they did not engage initially.
Still have questions about Early Assist?
Please contact us by email at ConnectU@unbc.ca