Sometimes people don't think that the behaviors they observe are a big deal. Yet often, others are seeing similar warning behaviors and feeling concerned also. This is why it is important to take just a few moments to report your concerns. In doing so, students can get assistance sooner, before their challenges grow.
Concerning Situations (non-emergency)
Some examples of non-emergent behaviors you may become concerned about include:
- Traumatic events (i.e. death of close family/friend, sexual assault, etc.)
- Disclosure of domestic violence or assault
- Changes in behavior, mood, or personal hygiene
- Inappropriate behaviors or comments
- Depression, anxiety or paranoia
- Alcohol, drug or prescription medication misuse
- Reports of not sleeping or eating
- Repeated requests for classroom accommodations or allowances (i.e. deadline extensions, etc.) without any formal Disability Access accommodations
This list is certainly not exhaustive. If you notice anything that raises your level of concern about a student, you are encouraged to fill out the REFER Form or call the Center for Cura Personalis at 509-313-2227 so that one of Gonzaga's professional Student Development staff can reach out to the student. Student Development has staff on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support students. If it is after normal business hours, or over a holiday or weekend, you can also call Campus Security & Public Safety at 509-313-2222 if you have an urgent concern about a student.
Emergency Situations
You might notice behaviors that require immediate attention from professional staff at the University. These situations may cause immediate concern for the safety of an individual or the community.
Some examples of behaviors that require immediate attention include:
- Threats or talk of suicide or self-harm
- Possession of weapons
- Acts or threats of physical and/or sexual violence
- Apparent disconnect from reality (e.g. hearing voices, nonsensical speech)
- Missing students
- Medical emergencies
In case where immediate threat or concern is observed, please call Campus Security & Public Safety at 509-313-2222. If the situation appears life threatening to anyone involved, please call 911.
Concerned About a Student?
The offices of Academic Advising & Assistance (AAA) and the Center for Cura Personalis (CCP) are here to help. The REFER Form (as mentioned above) is a great way to let us know when you have non-emergent concerns about our students. When you submit a form, you initiate a seamless, comprehensive program where academic advisors and case managers work together to support students holistically, with their academic, emotional, social, or behavioral needs. Our close partnership allows for transparency where appropriate, to identify the student's full situation, and to step in and provide support from all angles. When you make a referral, our offices will make every effort to contact referred students within 1-2 business days. Regardless of a student's response, please also know that some action is taken on every form that is received. We do our best to encourage students to reply to faculty and our outreach, but sometimes students do not reply. If the student's behavior or academic standing has not improved or has worsened, please submit another referral, or contact the office managing your referral.
Your questions and inquiry before, during and after a referral are welcomed. When you refer a student, you will receive information from either CCP or AAA letting you know which professional(s) are staffing your referral. We do our best to close the loop with every referral, but we are not always able to do so for various reasons. Should you have any questions or concerns with our processes, we welcome your feedback and conversation.
Please note that submissions are not monitored outside of normal business hours, including weekends and University holidays. If you have immediate concerns about the health and safety of a student, or for the Gonzaga Community, please call Campus Security and Public Safety (509-313-2222).