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Provided based on consultation with Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Affairs, the Office of Human Relations, Disability Programs and Resource Center

We are all aware of the profound traumatic events that have occurred. In response to requests for resources and guidance regarding how to handle classroom issues, we are providing some suggested strategies and resources that you may find helpful.

1. Take care of yourself. Be sure that you have attended to your own feelings, found personal support and informed yourself about relevant campus resources. Some relevant campus resources include Counseling and Psychological Services (338-2208) serving both students and employees, Safe Place (3382819), DPS (228-7200), CEASE (338-1203), Office of Human Relations (405-0434) and the SFSU homepage for current campus information (www.sfsu.edu).
2. Balance your typical professional role as a teacher with the awareness that it is not business as usual for either you or your students.
3. Balance your willingness to be supportive and helpful with a clear understanding of the limitations of your role or your skill in dealing with students in crisis. Be willing to refer students to other relevant services.
4. If you can, consider making yourself more available outside of class for advising and consultation.
5. Guide your professional speech based on the assumption that someone directly affected by this traumatic event is likely to be in your classroom.

If you do not feel comfortable conducting an open discussion about the events, consider referring your students to colleagues, or to an appropriate campus office. If you choose to facilitate an in-class discussion, consider the following:

1. Commend students for coming to class during such a difficult time and participating in this discussion.
2. Provide some ground rules to insure a supportive and safe discussion. For example:

1. We will agree that the opinions shared in the class will stay in the class.
2. Each person should speak for themselves
3. Everyone is allowed to express her or his own feelings and reactions. Each will express these feelings respectfully. There will be no criticism of other’s feelings or reactions
4. One person will speak at a time.

3. Structure the discussion. For example,

1. Begin with factual information: Where were you when you heard? What did you see or hear? What did you do?
2. Talk about feelings: What were you feeling when you heard? What are you feeling now?
3. Ask about the effects on their life. Have you had any unusual experiences since the time of the event? Has your life (home, school, job, relationships) changed in any way since the event?

4. Tell students that individuals vary greatly in how they respond immediately to stress and how their reactions may change over time. For some, reactions such as disorientation, anger, frustration, denial, or alienation may occur. Some may experience sleep disturbances, intrusive thoughts, distrust of others, strain on relationships, or increased drinking and substance use.
5. Remind students of the campus resources listed above.

Please feel free to send comments and feedback by:

• Sending them to the Office of Human Relations at ohr@sfsu.edu.
• Or entering and submitting them here: