Report a student you are concerned about

How to report a student who is displaying behaviors that may interfere with their own success or disrupt the learning of others, sometimes known as a student of concern.


Remember that observing any of concerning behavior should prompt you to reach out to that student. However, we have many resources to help with that conversation. If a student’s behavior reaches a level where you feel unsafe, call the UW Police Department at 608-264-2677 or 911.

Report a student of concern

WHAT IS A STUDENT OF CONCERN?

A student of concern is any student who is displaying behaviors that may interfere with a student’s ability to be successful at the University or disrupts the learning of others.

HOW THE DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE CAN HELP?

The Dean of Students Office offers:

  • Consultation
  • Resource referral
  • Outreach
  • Coordination of outreach and information among multiple offices

Students are referred to the Dean of Students Office from a wide range of sources, including faculty, staff, family members, or other students. The goal is to avert more serious difficulties and provide support as the student works toward academic and personal success.

EXAMPLES OF CONCERNING BEHAVIOR

This list is not comprehensive and may not encompass concerning behavior that you are seeing. No two student situations are the same.

  • Missing classes or irregular attendance
  • Significant change in behavior
  • Comments that are inappropriate or irrelevant to class discussion
  • Unable to control emotions
  • Poor hygiene
  • Appears intoxicated or smells of alcohol
  • Appears high or smells of marijuana
  • Appears tired or is constantly falling asleep in class
  • Very anxious
  • Concerning writing or art
  • Extreme change in weight
  • Extreme change in appearance
  • Unusual bruising or other injuries
  • Interrupting class discussions
  • Interfering with other students’ ability to learn
  • Making threats or threatening behavior
  • Talking or writing about suicide

Contact

Dean's Office Contacts

How can we help?

Call us at:
608-263-5700

Email us at:
doso@studentaffairs.wisc.edu

Line art image of Bascom Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison

Dean of Students Office
70 Bascom Hall
500 Lincoln Drive
Madison, WI 53706-1380


Monday-Friday: 8:30am -4pm
during Fall and Spring semester

After Hours Contacts

Crisis response:
Call Mental Health Services
608-265-5600 (option 9)
Emergencies:
Dial 911 for immediate help from the
UW Police Department
UWPD Non-emergency line: 608-264-2677