How to refer 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.
University of Wisconsin – Madison students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to refer students who are experiencing a difficult situation related to their academic success or personal health and well-being.
The Dean of Students Office staff reviews referrals each business day, Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30am to 4:00pm. All referrals will be evaluated to determine the appropriate follow-up necessary to address the concern(s). Staff will confirm your submission with you within 1 business day to discuss next steps. In most cases, our office will reach out to students to learn how we may be able to support them in navigating the challenges they may be experiencing and share applicable campus resources.
If you are referring a student experiencing a mental health emergency or there is an immediate safety concern, please directly contact the appropriate resource below before submitting a Student of Concern form
- If there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911
- UHS Mental Health Services 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support Line – Available 24/7 – Call 608-265-5600 (option 9)
- UW-Madison Police Department Non-Emergency – Call 608-264-2677
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
- Navigating personal challenges with broad impacts on student
- Experiencing physical or mental health challenges
- 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
Dean of Students Office70 Bascom Hall500 Lincoln DriveMadison, WI 53706-1380
Monday-Friday: 8:30am -4pmduring 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