Faculty and staff are frequently the first able to identify a student in distress. Faculty and staff are often perceived by students as the people to go to for advice and support. Your interest and concern may be critical in helping a student regain the emotional health necessary for academic success. In addition, faculty and staff are often the first to notice a student whose behavior may create a disruption to others or pose a threat to campus safety. Your response is essential for the welfare of the campus environment.
The following is a general guideline for the various offices that handle student concerns:
When Should You Make a Report to the Campus Assessment, Referral, and Evaluation System (CARES Team)?
All student concerns. For example, extended absences by a typically engaged student, unusual behavior, or verbal or written threats.
When Should You Make a Report to The Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs? (1A-301, X2335)
If a student’s behavior regularly disrupts the educational, the extra-curricular or co-curricular process.
** Some situations are more urgent and require immediate attention. Below are guidelines such circumstances.
When Should You Contact Public Safety? (X2111)
- If a student is posing a real or perceived threat of physical violence to himself or others.
- If a student is disoriented, acting strangely, or disrupting the environment.
- If the student is under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
- If a student reports a sexual assault.
- If a student is involved in any other criminal behavior that may pose a threat to the campus community.
When Should You Make an Immediate Referral to the Counseling Center? (1A-109, X2391)
- If a student expresses suicidal thinking.
- If a student is in significant emotional distress.