The Student of Concern process allows students, staff, parents, faculty, and UCF community members to report concerning behavior exhibited by a student. It is our goal to intervene before the student reaches a crisis level.
What Behavior Qualifies
There are many instances where a student’s behavior can cause concern. Here are some of the signs to look for.
- Change in personal hygiene
- Dramatic weight gain or loss
- Irritability
- Unruly behavior
- Impaired speech
- Disjointed thoughts
- Tearfulness
- Intense emotion
- Inappropriate responses
- Difficulty concentrating
- Physically harming self
- Destruction of property
- Anxiety and panic
- Frequently falling asleep in class
- Inability to communicate clearly
- Loss of contact with reality
- Written references to death, dying, or suicide
- Disconnection for classmates
- Hyperactivity or rapid speech
- Preoccupation with gaming, social media or online personas
- Career and course indecision
- Excessive procrastination
- Uncharacteristically poor preparation / performance
- Many requests for extensions / special considerations
- Disruptive classroom behavior
- Excessive absence / tardiness
- Avoiding or dominating discussions
- References to suicide or harm to others in verbal statements or writing
- Always asking for help with personal problems
- Dependency
- Withdrawing from social situations
- Disruptive behavior
- Inability to get along with others
- Complaints from others
How Do I Start
Start first by talking directly to the student and share your concerns. If they are open to talking with a Care Coordinator, call SCS (407) 823-5607) or walk them over to the office. We are in Ferrell Commons, 196. To connect the student to our office, please complete the Student of Concern Form. Student Care Services provides non-clinical support and resources.
(CAPS is in the same area as the Health Clinic and Physical Sciences, Biology, and Chemistry buildings)
When Should I File a Student of Concern Form?
You should file a Student of Concern Report if you are working with
a distressed student and you:
- Do not know where to refer them
- Would like to consult about possible responses to a student’s behavior
- Notice a student’s behavior is making others feel uncomfortable
- Believe there may be safety concerns in the future
- If you walk a student over or refer a student to the Counseling Center
- Have called 911 because of a safety concern
- Would like future follow up to ensure that the student is connected to
- Counseling and Psychological Services
If you need further assistance in determining if you need to file a report,
please contact us.
What Happens Next?
After a Student of Concern Form is submitted it is reviewed by Student Care Services staff. Staff will then reach out to the students to determine the next appropriate steps and how to help them. The person who filed the report may or may not hear from Student Care Services. This is due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).