Mandated Risk Assessment

When concerned about the safety of a student or the safety of others because of the student’s behavior:

• Call UCC or the Dean of Students office for guidance
• We recommend you consult with the Dean office or the Chair of your Department – it’s best to have them make the referral or minimally support you requiring the mandated risk assessment.
• Tell student he/she must meet one time with UCC for an evaluation before returning to class, lab, or project, etc.
• Call UCC to set up an appointment (with the student there or check with UCC before mandating the student.)
• Give information to the UCC Administrator about why the evaluation is taking place.
• Escort with security if the student presents an immediate risk to self or others.

Unresolved Discipline Issues:

You can and should take disciplinary action with respect to the student. Contac the Office of the Dean of Students for advice. The Dean’s Office can contact other professors to find out if there is a broader problem. Often, what is perceived as a psychological problem is a discipline issue.

Awareness of Cultural Differences:

Race, ethnicity, cultural background, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other cultural identities are important to keep in mind as you help a distressed student. Reactions to racism, sexism, homophobia, aldeism, etc., can affect the way in which emotional distress is manifested and also can impact help-seeking behavior. General barriers to seeking help – e.g., denial, fear of being labeled in a negative way, lack of information about campus resources – may be even more troublesome for students from underrepresented groups, especially if counseling is not a culturally relevant choice to make when help is needed. Communicating support, concern, and understanding is critical in reaching students who may feel isolated and marginalized.

Your sensitivity to the unique needs of international students, LGBTQ students, students of color, non-traditional-aged college students, and other underrepresented groups can be important in helping students get assistance. Furthermore, being knowledgeable about campus resources that address the unique needs of underrepresented students is also important.

Guide Table of Content

• Typical Concerns for UR Students
• What You Should Know About Student Problems
• Symptoms of Distressed or Distressing Students
• Responding to Distressed or Distressing Students
• Making a Referral to the UR Counseling Center
• Responding to Student Emergencies
• The UR Counseling Center
• Information About Confidentiality
• Mandated Risk Assessment
• Other Campus Referral Sources
• Academic Faculty: Classroom Climate and Prevention
• Responding After a Tragedy: An In-The-Classroom Guide

Addendum

• The Grieving Student
• The Anxious/Shy Student
• The Student Who May Have an Eating Disorder
• The Demanding Student
• The Dependent/Passive Student
• The Depressed Student
• The Student in Poor Contact with Reality
• The Student Suspected of Substance Abuse or Addiction
• The Victim of Stalking
• The Victim of an Abusive Dating Relationship
• The Victim of a Hate Incident
• The Victim of Hazing
• The Student Who Has Been Sexually Harassed (Assaulted)
• The Suicidal Student
• The Suspicious Student
• The Verbally Aggressive Student
• The Violent Student
• The Absent/Disappeared From Class Student
• Responding to Students with Transition Issues
• Responding to the Student with Choice of Major or Career Concerns