Supporting Students of Concern

 

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Faculty and staff are often among the first people to notice when a student's academic performance, behavior or wellbeing changes. This page provides guidance for recognizing concerning behavior, responding to students in distress, managing classroom concerns and connecting students with the appropriate university support.

You are not expected to diagnose a student or resolve a difficult situation on your own. Focus on the behaviors you observe, communicate your concern when appropriate and involve the Dean of Students, Behavioral Intervention Team or another university office when additional support is needed.

Behavioral Intervention Team

The Behavioral Intervention Team, or BIT, uses a multidisciplinary approach to respond to elevated student concerns, assist students in need and address disruptive, concerning or unusual behavior. The team brings together offices from across the university so concerns can be assessed and students can be connected with appropriate support.

A Student of Concern report may be reviewed by the Office of the Dean of Students and shared with appropriate university partners when a coordinated response is needed.

Recognizing Concerning Behavior

A single behavior may not indicate that a student is in distress. Patterns, significant changes or combinations of behaviors may indicate that a student needs additional support. Focus on what you can observe rather than trying to determine the cause.

Responding to a Student

If you feel comfortable approaching a student, a brief, direct conversation can help identify whether additional support is needed. You do not need to be a counselor to communicate that you are concerned.

Starting the Conversation

• Choose a private setting when possible.
• Describe the specific behavior or change that prompted your concern.
• Use a calm, direct and nonjudgmental approach.
• Give the student time to explain what is happening.
• Listen without trying to diagnose the situation or solve every problem.
• Let the student know that university resources are available.
• Help the student connect with a resource when appropriate.
• Follow up later when appropriate.

Classroom & Disruptive Behavior

Student distress and student conduct can overlap, but they are not always the same issue. Faculty should continue to maintain appropriate classroom expectations even when behavior may be related to a student's personal circumstances.

For Classroom Concerns

• Communicate classroom expectations clearly and consistently.
• Address concerning behavior early when possible.
• Document significant or repeated incidents.
• Inform your department chair or other academic leadership when classroom behavior is affecting the learning environment.
• Refer possible Code of Student Conduct violations to the Office of Student Conduct.
• Submit a Student of Concern report when the behavior also suggests that the student may need additional support.

Threatening or Emergency Situations

Threats of violence, violent or aggressive behavior and other immediate safety concerns should be taken seriously. Do not rely on a Student of Concern report as an emergency response mechanism.

If the situation is concerning but not an immediate emergency, document what occurred, contact the appropriate university office and submit a Student of Concern report when additional support or coordinated follow-up may be needed.

Mandatory Reporting & Privacy

Mandatory Reporting

Texas Tech employees have reporting responsibilities for certain disclosures they receive in the course and scope of their employment. Faculty and staff should understand the reporting responsibilities associated with their university role and follow current university procedures when a student discloses reportable information.

Reportable information may include sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, stalking or discrimination. Faculty and staff should not investigate a disclosure or attempt to determine whether the information is true. Listen, provide support and submit the required report using current university procedures.

FERPA & Student Privacy

FERPA protects the privacy of student education records. Faculty and staff should use care when sharing student information and should only involve individuals who have an appropriate university role or legitimate educational interest.

Privacy concerns should not prevent you from contacting an appropriate university office for guidance about a student of concern. If you have questions about FERPA requirements or the release of student education records, consult the Office of the Registrar.

FERPA Information for Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff Resources

These offices are common points of contact when helping a student or determining how to respond to a concerning situation.