Student Wellbeing Team Dealing with demanding students Managing your own wellbeing

Students you are unsure about (Demanding Students) -Students may often present to tutors or university staff on a regular basis. -A student persistently seeking out support for a variety of issues can feel very overwhelming for staff concerned. It can also take up a considerable amount of time and attention. Characteristics that may indicate such presentation: Problems with boundaries/structure/limits Difficulty in accepting proposed solutions Need for direct information (difficulty with ambiguity) Dependent personality A sense of entitlement An inability to empathise A need for control Dependency It is often very difficult to know how to best manage such situations, as staff often simply want to be as supportive and understanding as possible. ‘Demanding’ - intrusive and persistent requiring a lot of time and attention.

Managing your own wellbeing What can you do? Set boundaries and limits to contact (i.e offer fixed times of availability/contact time) Seek understanding of the situation; when possible, talk to the student in a safe and comfortable place. Make clear what behaviours are acceptable/ unacceptable Request that you are treated with respect. Be clear about the time you will give the student. Be explicit about your role and what you in a position to respond to Give clear unambiguous direction to students, particularly if issues raised are beyond your remit. Know your limitations - Signpost to support services within our University and offer to make contact on the student’s behalf. Inform your line manager of your concerns.

Managing your own wellbeing Don’ts - Argue with the student Try not to give in to inappropriate requests Adjust policy/your schedule to accommodate the student Giving inconsistent messages Ignore inappropriate behaviour for fear of upset Take on concerns/issues beyond your professional limits or areas of expertise. Take on too much responsibility; there are others who can help. Allow the student to intimidate you Try not to- Try to not feel guilty Try not to allow the student to manipulate you not to address problematic behaviour.

Managing your own wellbeing The reasons for such presentation can be complex, but it is often due to a variety of underlying issues. Whilst demanding traits can be associated with anxiety, panic, depression, and/or thought disorders, mania, drug use/abuse, they are often a result of personality problems. It is also possible in such cases that the student is seeking out support from a variety of staff in the University, and that this is not known to each individual involved. It may be that a case-conference type approach is required to ensure consistent messages and effective coordination The Student Wellbeing Team can support in this, and you can always ring without breaching student confidentiality to discuss a concern

Managing your own wellbeing Leeds Beckett University Policy and Guidance 2.1 The essence of misconduct is: Disruption of, or improper interference with, the academic, administrative, sporting, social or other activities of the University, whether on University premises or elsewhere; Obstruction of, or improper interference with, the functions, duties or activities of any student or member of staff of the University or any visitor to the University; Violent, indecent, disorderly, threatening, bullying or offensive behaviour or language, including harassment and unlawful discrimination; also- -Failure to comply with a reasonable request or instruction of the University; -Making accusations against other students or staff which are not substantiated in whole or in part and where there are reasonable grounds to believe the accusations have been made maliciously or in bad faith Student Code of Discipline: Students of the University are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner which demonstrates respect for the University, its students and staff, and members of the wider community. Every student is an ambassador for the University and, accordingly, is expected to behave in a way that enhances its reputation. Student Code of Discipline: Students of the University are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner which demonstrates respect for the University, its students and staff, and members of the wider community. Every student is an ambassador for the University and, accordingly, is expected to behave in a way that enhances its reputation.

Managing your own wellbeing Leeds Beckett University Policy and Guidance Student Code of Discipline – PART B Relates to the disciplinary procedure 1.1 The aim of this disciplinary procedure is to provide a framework within which the University can work with students to maintain satisfactory standards of conduct and to encourage improvement where necessary. Both formal and informal routes Cases involving mental ill health These tensions have particular significance in the case of students with mental health problems. It is not uncommon for a student who has such a disability to come up against employee and student complaints that her/his conduct is ‘unacceptable’. Our University as the manager of these complaints has a duty to balance the rights of all individuals concerned, in order to resolve matters fairly and reasonably. In respect of the mentally ill student her/himself, our University should ensure that, as far as is reasonably possible, appropriate and sufficient support structures are put in place to accommodate the student’s needs.

Managing your own wellbeing Leeds Beckett University Policy and Guidance Code of Discipline where mental health might play a factor If, following referral through the operation of the Student Code of Discipline, it is known, suspected or becomes apparent that the alleged misconduct has a mental health dimension to it, the member of staff or panel responsible for reaching a judgement in a particular student disciplinary case: a) may refer the matter to the Director of Student Services /Senior Student Advisor (Member of Student Wellbeing Team) responsible for co-ordinating support for students with mental health concerns; and b) put the Student Code of Discipline into abeyance pending a report from the Director of Student Services /Senior Student Advisor (Member of Student Wellbeing Team). Misconduct and mental illness.doc Approved July 2005 Effective for (last updated July 2012) In such cases, in the context of a community model in which all students have agreed to take responsibility for their conduct, it is appropriate for a student exhibiting unacceptable behaviour, irrespective of that student's health, to be subject to the Student Code of Discipline.

Managing your own wellbeing For Staff: Practical Advice on Situations Where Breaking Confidentiality Might Be Appropriate In the first instance, it is vital that you consult your line manager and/or the appropriate member of your Senior Management Team. If it is decided that information should be passed on it is important that you address the following questions: Why are you breaking confidentiality? Who you will tell and why? How serious is the situation? What immediate or significant risk does the student face? What is likely to happen to the information? What consequences this will have for the student involved and your relationship with them. Are his or her actions placing anyone else at immediate or significant risk? What implications – both positive and negative – could breaking confidentiality have? What significant harm to the student, other people or yourself could result in NOT disclosing this information? Where appropriate, explain all of the above Try to limit the negative consequences by keeping accurate records of your actions, state the reasons for your decisions in addressing the above questions and at every stage of the process

Managing your own wellbeing Leeds Beckett University Supports Staff: Student Wellbeing Team provides staff: Consultancy, guidance and advice Joint meetings and on-going liaison with students Sharing of information to ensure co-ordinated approach to student experience Training – MH Awareness sessions bookable via I-Trent Training – MH Awareness: supporting Students module –People Development on-line Support for Urgent SituationsUrgent Situations University Policies and regulations (Student conduct section) Students: On Line Registration Registration via our on-line form accessed from our webpagewebpage Variety of supports available Extensive range of self help resources to be able to direct students toself help resources