STUDENT OF CONCERN
Whois a Student of Concern?
A student of concern is any student who is displaying behaviors or dealing with circumstances that may get in the way of theirability to be successful in the University environment. This could mean a student experiencing crisis, displaying odd or unusual behavior, engaging in behaviors that are perceived to be harmful (to self or others), or behaviors that may be deemed academically damaging. It might also include a student who is in need of other types of support, not linked to behavior or academics.
How can I identify a Student of Concern?
It may be difficult to determine if something you’ve noticed rises to the level of a Student Concern referral, below are some examples of types of concerns that may constitute referral to our office:
Serious grade problems
Unaccountable change from good to poor performance
Infrequent attendance or excessive absences
Increase/decrease in energy level or sleeping in class
Repeated requests for special consideration
Marked changes in mood, activity, speech or physical appearance
Disruptive or escalating behavior (including hostility or aggression)
Loss of contact with reality or expression of intent to harm oneself
Verbal or physical threats towards others
Student reports dealing with a serious illness or extreme home-life circumstance
Student reports criminal activity or reports being a victim of an act of violence
Student is intimidating or being intimidated by fellow students
How can I help a Student of Concern?
There are many ways to help a student you are concerned about, including following established classroom protocols outlined in a course syllabus or offering personal contact/support – these options may be enough to resolve a concern. However, the University has developed a comprehensive approach that identifies, investigates, assesses and makes referrals based on the nature of the issue described. When you discover a student with an issue that rises to the level of concern you can refer them to the Department of Student Engagement/Office of Student Concern. This process allows for complex issues to receive the attention of various campus support departments in a holistic manner.
What happens after I refer a student?
The reasons to refer a student to our office vary from mild in nature to critical, but all issues are taken very seriously and responded to quickly. When a student of concern is brought to our attention, the information is quickly assessed and one or more of the following support structures are notified for appropriate action:
Student Intervention
Coordinates the campus-wide management of students with non-academic, behavioral concerns.
Academic Early/Alert Warning
Coordinates efforts to intervene with students who are experiencing academic or personal difficulties such as poor attendance, low exam scores, failing grades or behavioral issues.
Student Conduct
Oversees student adherence to the guidelines established by the Student Conduct Code of the University of Washington.
Crisis Response Team
Coordinates campus-wide management of threats and emergencies.
Each situation that is reported has a different level of assessment and appropriate action; however:
Each referral is responded to within 24-48 hours
Reporting parties areinformed that we have received their referral and are working on an appropriate plan of action. If necessary, reporting or other named partiesmay be asked to provide additional information.
Once the information has been assessed, one or more support departments are notified/consulted to find resolution and/or resources to help resolve the concern,. If necessary, a support team with multiple office representation is convened.
Our office works closely with support departments to ensure timely resolution. If deemed appropriate, original referral source may be notified of resolution.
How can I refer a student or find additional resources?
Emergent and threatening situations should always be dealt with by calling Campus Safety or 911. However, less urgent concerns can be referred to our office by using the Student of Concern email listed below.
For Additional resources and information please contact us directly:
Student Engagement – Mattress Factory 103
Web:
Phone: 253-692-4901
Email: