At times, a student may exhibit behavior that is concerning, though you may not be aware of the cause. Even if a nagging feeling in your gut is all you have to go on, pay attention to it. Below are some examples of concerning behavior and tips on how you can help.
Signs of concerning behavior
Examples of concerning behavior include, but are not limited to:
- Changes in academic performance, class attendance or quality of schoolwork
- Changes in behavior, appearance, hygiene, etc.
- Appearing excessively sleepy or hyperactive or exhibiting mood swings
- Appearing fearful, anxious, nervous or angry
- Demonstrating irrational, reckless and/or bizarre behavior
- Loss of energy, interest and motivation
- Disturbing content in papers, assignments or emails
- Expressing internalized negative feelings of oneself
How you can help
For information on reporting, getting support and more on how to help, visit the Don’t Ignore It website. The Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) is committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct by offering prevention education as well as informal and formal investigations of policy violations.
Whenever possible, talk with the student in private. During the conversation, here are some things you can do to help and things to avoid:
- Show care and concern for the student and base the conversation on what you have observed.
- Treat the situation as serious and avoid passing judgement. Do not speak to the student in a derogatory manner or lecture the student.
- Give examples of behaviors the student has exhibited that worry you.
- Be supportive and encourage the student to receive help.
- Do not tell the student what to do—it is best to provide options and choices.
- Do not take on the responsibility of caring for the student.
- Responsible employees who become aware of sexual misconduct, discrimination or harassment involving any member of the CU community must report it to the OIEC. Do not agree to be bound by the promise of confidentiality.
Support resources for faculty and staff
If you notice bizarre, threatening or any other concerning behaviors, contact Student Support and Case Management (SSCM) immediately to ensure the safety of the student and the campus community.
SSCM staff serve as the primary resource for managing student issues, providing intervention and crisis prevention. The case managers coordinate with other CU Boulder departments and facilitate communication to and from the Student of Concern Team (SOCT), which reviews more elevated student cases involving serious safety issues.
