Conveying a Concern about a Student

• Deterioration in classroom performance or quality/quantity of work
• Missed assignments
• Repeated absences from class
• Disorganized or erratic performance
• Frequently falls asleep in class
• Comes to class bleary-eyed, hungover, or smelling of alcohol
• Continually seeks special provisions (late papers, extensions, postponed examinations); NOT including accommodations granted by a UR Disability Accommodation Notice
• Essays or creative work which indicate extremes of hopelessness, social isolation, rage, or despair
• Inappropriate or atypical behavior in class (e.g., hostile glances; highly argumentative; leaving class abruptly)

• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems or other difficulties
• Unprovoked or excessive anger or hostility
• Exaggerated personality traits (e.g., more withdrawn or more animated than usual)
• Excessive dependency
• Tearfulness
• Dramatic mood swings
• Flat affect (i.e., no display of emotion at all)
• Deterioration in physical appearance, or lack of personal hygiene
• Impaired speech; disjointed thoughts
• Social withdrawal
• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Excessive fatigue
• Significant changes in weight
• Marked worries, fears, anxiety
• Marked restlessness, tension, or agitation

• Hints about not being around in the future, or saying goodbye
• Any statement, written or oral, which has a sense of finality or a suicidal tone to it
• Essays or papers which focus on despair, rage, suicide or death
• Gives away prized possessions
• Self-injurious or self-destructive behaviors
• Active substance abuse and/or increase in use of drugs or alcohol
• High degree of agitation, or impulsivity
• Any other behavior which seems out of control
• Has been a victim of bullying by others
• Enjoys hurting animals
• History of previous violent acts
• Frequently starts or participates in fights
• Extreme hostility toward peers or authority figures
• Loses temper and self-control easily
• Becomes easily frustrated and converts frustration into physical violence
• Access to or preoccupation with weapons
• Possesses or creates media depicting graphic images of death or violence
• Statements indicating harmful intentions toward others
• Detailed plans for committing acts of violence

Don’t disregard what you’ve observed. At the very least, convey your observations and concerns to the appropriate dean’s office. The dean’s office usually has the most holistic picture of each student and is best able to gather information from a variety of sources. The dean’s office can call a student in, express concern, and make referrals to appropriate sources of help.