Crisis Management Strategy: Supporting International Students
A multi-dimensional support strategy for international students facing health, financial, and academic crises. Learn how to navigate student wellbeing.
CASE STUDY
Ahmed Khatib
The Compass Collective
Kofi Symmonds & Group Members
Date: March 23, 2026
SLIDE 2
Primary Issue Statement
Ahmed is an international student from Jordan with bipolar disorder, currently unmedicated for two weeks due to financial constraints.
He is experiencing worsening mental health symptoms, food insecurity, and is at risk of failing Accounting and Economics.
His fear of telling his family or doctor has left him isolated, trying to solve a complex crisis alone.
Analysis of Ahmed's Situation
HEALTH
Unmedicated bipolar disorder → impaired judgment, rising symptoms
ACADEMIC
Risk of failing two courses → scholarship jeopardy
FINANCIAL
Miscalculated budget → no money for food or prescriptions
SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL
Isolated, afraid to ask for help
These issues are interconnected and worsening rapidly.
Decision Criteria
Prioritize student's immediate health and safety
Protect academic standing and scholarship eligibility
Address food insecurity and medication access
Maintain international student visa compliance
Build long-term resilience and help-seeking skills
Alternative Solutions — Overview
Alternative 1: Health First
Student Health & Wellness Focus
Renew medication, get counseling, obtain medical documentation.
Alternative 2: International Student Focus
International Centre Focus
Understand visa/work rights, find on-campus job, manage finances.
Alternative 3: Combined Approach
Health & Wellness + International Centre
Use both Student Health & Wellness and International Centre simultaneously.
ALTERNATIVE A
Health First
Student Health & Wellness Focus
PROS
CONS
Restores medical stability (medication renewal)
Provides official documentation for academic accommodations
Confidential – family/doctor back home not contacted
Access to counseling for stress and fear management
Does not immediately solve financial or food issues
May delay addressing visa/work questions
Requires self-advocacy to access accommodations
ALTERNATIVE B
International Student Focus
International Centre Focus
PROS
CONS
Clarifies visa rules and on-campus work options
Could generate income for food and medication
Helps Ahmed understand his rights as an international student
Work may worsen his mental health without medication
Does not address immediate health crisis
Risk of further academic decline while working
ALTERNATIVE C
Combined Approach
Student Health & Wellness + International Centre
PROS
CONS
Addresses health and financial/legal needs together
More holistic support system
Reduces isolation by connecting with multiple campus resources
Requires more coordination and follow-through
May feel overwhelming for Ahmed in current state
Still requires him to reach out for help
Decision Matrix
*Scale: 5 = excellent, 1 = poor*
Health stability
Academic protection
Financial relief
Visa compliance
Feasibility now
35%
25%
20%
10%
10%
5
2
4
4
2
4
2
4
4
2
5
5
4
3
3
100%
3.85
2.85
3.95
RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1 – Health First
with a clear next step to the International Centre
WHY?
Ahmed is in a mental health crisis – stability must come first
Without medication, he cannot make good decisions about work or school
Medical documentation unlocks academic accommodations and emergency bursaries
Confidential support reduces fear of disappointing family
Once stable, connect with International Centre for work/visa guidance.
Implementation Plan
IMMEDIATE (Week 1)
Book appointment with Student Health & Wellness (medication, counseling)
Request medical documentation
Contact Bissett Student Success Centre for academic accommodations and emergency bursary
SHORT-TERM (Weeks 2–3)
Apply for food support (DSU Food Bank)
Meet with academic advisor to discuss course withdrawal options
Begin regular counseling
ONGOING
Once stable, meet with International Centre to explore on-campus work
Build a sustainable weekly schedule
Risk & Mitigation
Ahmed delays seeking help due to fear
Normalize help-seeking; offer to walk him to Wellness Centre
Loss of scholarship if grades drop
Medical documentation → academic concessions (late withdrawal, deadline extensions)
Family finds out and reacts negatively
Confidential services; counseling to prepare for disclosure if needed
Unable to afford medication even with support
Emergency bursary + pharmacy assistance programs
CONCLUSION
Ahmed's Crisis is Urgent — But Solvable.
Renew his medication
Get documentation for academic support
Access food and financial aid
By starting with Student Health & Wellness, Ahmed can rebuild stability — protecting his scholarship, his visa status, and most importantly, his wellbeing.
"Asking for help is not failure. It is the first step back to control."
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