How To Refer

How do I know if I need to make a referral?

We often want to help someone as much as we possibly can, but sometimes helping someone means acknowledging what our limitations are. Ask yourself the following questions when supporting someone:

1. What support can I offer this student?
2. Is that support within my scope of work? (i.e. job description, training, comfort, skillset, bandwidth, etc.)

• If I am positioned to help the individual, what do I need to communicate about my ability to support them?
• If I am not positioned to help, who might be a better resource on or off campus to refer them to?

How do I tell someone I cannot help them?

This part can feel challenging. It can feel cold to explain to someone that you are not the best person to support them. However, it will help the individual access the most appropriate support, protect your role/scope of work, and ultimately help the student navigate systems of support moving forward.

Try a tagout line!

A tagout line is a quick explanation of your role, why you may not be the best person to assist with their need, and an introduction to the resource that can help.

What does is look like?

“Gosh, it sounds like you are really facing some challenges right now. I am sorry to hear things feel so stressful. As your instructor, I am here to support your academics and help you succeed in this course. Since I am not a counselor, I am not best positioned to help with your mental health. However, our campus has crisis support and counseling options at University Health Services. Would you be interested in calling them today?”