Referable Behaviors

• Unusual or erratic behavior in class, in the residence halls, during advising sessions, etc.
• Extended absence from class or activities by a typically engaged student
• Written work or creative expression with troubling themes or references
• Verbal or written threats made by a student toward another student, faculty, or staff
• Written or verbal expressions of suicidal ideation or intent
• Other actions which cause an alarm or call into question the safety of the student or their peers.

When to Refer a Student

• Marked changes in academic performance, a noticeable decline in personal appearance and/or a student repeatedly engaging in disruptive behaviors in class can all be signs of a student in crisis.
• Some behavioral warning signs carry more weight than others and multiple indicators increase the risk of potential harm to self and/ or others.
• If your efforts to manage a significant classroom behavioral issue has not resolved the problem If you are concerned about the welfare of a student, yourself and other students
• If a student asks for help in dealing with personal issues that are out of your role as a faculty or staff member.

How to Refer a Student

Campus staff and faculty can refer a student to the Student of Concern Committee by submitting a report through our secure online form.

If the button is not working, copy and paste this link to your browser:  https://berkeley-advocate.symplicity.com/care_report
For consultation call: 510.664.4218

NOTE: The Team is NOT for EMERGENCIES

• The email and phone listed above is not a 24 hour service to access to support
• If there is an immediate threat to a student (either through self-harm or interpersonal violence) or the community, please call 911 or 510-642-3333.
• If you believe a student is in need of immediate psychological help, when Counseling & Psychological Services is open call 510-642-9494; after hours call (510) 643-7197.

For behaviors that are of concern, either because they are out of character or persistent even after being addressed, a referral to the Committee may be the next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What about FERPA protection?

A: FERPA pertains to the privacy of educational records, but it does not prohibit the reporting of observable behavior. If you are concerned about a personal interaction you have had with a student or an observation you have made pertaining to behavior, you are encouraged to report and/or consult with appropriate colleagues, especially as it relates to the educational mission of the University.

Q: What if my department already has a structure to deal with students of concern?

A: Great! You should continue to use that structure to proactively best support the student. In addition, we recommend you to still refer the student to the Student of Concern Committee. There is often another department or office that the student is in contact with and who may be having similar concerns that we are able to connect through multiple referrals.

Q: How is this team different than Behavioral Risk Assessment Team?

A: Behavioral Risk Assessment Team is a team that responds to high level, eminent campus crisis, once a situation occurs. Whereas, the Student of Concern Committee is a proactive small team that meet weekly to assess referrals, consult and at times intervene before the concern escalates violent or detrimental behavior to the student of concern or members of the campus community.

Q: Will I be contacted and updated about the student I refer?

A: Yes, you will be contacted to give the committee details about the concerning behavior. You may be updated with information as it pertains to the student’s interactions with you or your department. However, you will not be informed of details of conversations with the student or possible disciplinary action that may occur, depending on the situation.

Resource Documents

• How to Assist the Distressed Student
• Faculty & Staff Guide to Assisting the Emotionally Distressed Student
• Look for the Signs
• What to do in an emergency

Places of Support on Campus