• Dealing with Difficult Situations
• Student Support Resources on Campus
  

Sometimes, students can get upset and/or disruptive.  Alternatively, they may come to you with serious problems or seeking advice; these situations can sometimes make you uncomfortable.  During these moments it is important to remain calm and work to prevent a situation from escalating. 

Some suggestions for handling these types of situations include:

• Assure students that you care about their well-being and their learning.


• Ask upset or angry students to come back and talk with you once they have calmed down.  You do not have to engage with angry students and you certainly do not want that behavior in the classroom or in front of other students.


• For students who are in crisis, thank them for reaching out and let them know you will help them by locating and referring them to the appropriate Mason resource. 


• Seek advice if you are not sure how to respond.  It is perfectly okay to let a student know that you want to give them the best possible information and that you will get back to them as soon as possible.  Your department/program chair, your colleagues, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), and the Center for Teaching Excellence are all resources you might consult.


• Be sure to follow university policies.  As before, seek advice if you are not sure how to respond.


• Familiarize yourself with the GMU Honor Code so that you know when you must go to the Honor Committee and what will happen. 


• When dealing with tough situations, be sure to document your communications and efforts.  Keeping careful records might prove to be valuable if a situation escalates.

Assistive Technology Initiative manages the production of accessible text for Mason students with disabilities. They also ensure access to information technology and communications to the entire university community through the use of adaptive equipment and provision of technical assistance.

Center for Field Studies provides students with a broad range of exciting and challenging field-based experiential learning opportunities. Center programs place students outside the traditional classroom where they experience the natural environment firsthand and learn about ecology in its broadest sense, including the unique cultures that shape it. CFS is the central point of contact for the development of field-based courses and initiatives at George Mason University.

Center for Leadership and Community Engagement promotes positive change and civic engagement by combining academic study, leadership development and direct community service. CLCE is your resource at Mason for leadership education and service-learning initiatives.

Counseling and Psychological Services offers psychological services, a variety of learning services, multicultural services, and educational programs that support students' educational goals.  They also offer faculty and staff consultation about how to help students who are experiencing difficulties that impact their learning, including how to respond to students in crisis.

English Language Institute holds workshops for students whose first language is not English.

Mathematics Tutoring Center offers tutoring on a walk-in basis for all George Mason students enrolled in math courses up to MATH 290.

Multicultural Research and Resource Center fosters and coordinates multicultural program development at GMU, identifies and distributes resources on diversity, provides a clearinghouse for requests related to multicultural and diversity programs both on and off campus, and advises students and faculty on the availability of programs and training opportunities. 

Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education Services provide health-related information, education and training, and resources for the Mason community.

Office of Disability Services implements and coordinates reasonable accommodations and disability-related services that afford students with special needs equal access to university programs and activities.

Office of Diversity Programs and Services serves students, cultural organizations, and the Mason community by promoting an environment that fosters and values human understanding and diversity.  The office seeks to provide services and programs that will instill university-wide appreciation for diverse perspectives and ensure equal levels of inclusion, participation, and retention of underrepresented student groups in their quest for a quality.

Office of International Programs and Services provides guidance to students and scholars studying and working at George Mason University in immigration, employment and taxation, assists with adjustment issues, and fosters cross-cultural understanding through programs highlighting global themes.

Sexual Assault Services provides direct services for survivors of sexual assault and sexual assault education and information to the university community.  All services are available to survivors, and to their families, significant others, and friends at no cost.

Student Health Services provides high quality health care, counseling, education and prevention services in support of student learning and retention. 

The University Writing Center offers both in-person and on-line writing assistance for students. It has on-line writing guides, reference guides, and style manuals. The Center also works with faculty, giving university wide workshop, in-class writing workshops for your students, and providing consultation for faculty in developing effective writing assignments and evaluating writing.

University Career Services provides information on career choices, internships and employment, and graduate and professional school.

University Life enhances students' in- and out-of-class experiences and facilitates interactions among faculty, staff, and other students.  These resources help students achieve academically, stay healthy, get involved with campus life, find jobs, and identify resources to enrich their learning.