Dean of students seeks assistance

The Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS) is asking the cooperation of faculty and academic staff to assist troubled or disruptive students who may be in need of university resources and services.

In classrooms and offices, faculty and staff may be the first to learn of a student who has an emotional or mental health issue, including suicidal references, the effects of a sexual assault or other crime. Disruptive behavior may also be an issue.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam asks faculty and staff to consider the following to deal with such situations:

• Should a student exhibit dangerous, disruptive or suicidal behavior and physical safety is of immediate concern, call the UW Police Department. The 911 emergency number on campus connects directly to campus police.
• Some disruptive behavior, such as yelling or inappropriate language, can be dealt with informally by speaking directly with a student and setting clear expectations for conduct.
• If a student seems to be having mental health issues, is homesick, sad or depressed, refer them to UHS Counseling and Consultation Services at 265-5600.
• In any case in which faculty and staff have a question or are seeking consultation, use the ODOS staff as a resource by calling 263-5700 and asking for a dean-on-call.

In particular, guidance on respecting student privacy under FERPA, handling an escalating case and dealing with academic misconduct is available.

Additional resources about dealing with these situations are available at the campus safety Web site.