Reporting Concerning, Worrisome, or Threatening Behavior
You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.
— Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German poet, novelist, playwright, scientist and philosopher (1749-1832)
Introduction:
Students who are in crisis or who are exihibiting concerning, worrisome, or threatening behaviors often need additional attention in order to ensure they are safe, the community is safe, and that they continue to be successful while at NC State. The Office of Student Conduct works extremely closely with other campus partners to help identify and support these students.
Staff and Faculty are strongly encouraged to report concerning, worrisome, and threatening behaviors to Campus Police, the Office of Student Conduct, or to University's Violence Prevention and Threat Management office.
If you think an immediate emergency situation exists, contact 911 or Campus Police at 919-515-3000 and report the behavior you have observed.
Reporting Concerning Behaviors Online:
The Office of Student Conduct has set up an incident reporting form where any individual can submit information regarding a student they believe is exhibiting concerning, worrisome, or threatening behaviors.
Click Here to Access the Incident Reporting Site
Any advisor from the Office of Student Conduct can assist you if you feel a student may need additional support. Please don't hesitate to contact our office directly if you have questions or concerns.
What is Meant By Concerning Behaviors
Although the terms, "concerning, "worrisome," and "threatening" are subjective in nature, the following list of examples provides some context when assessing whether a student may need additional support:
- Individual appears disheveled or exhibits poor hygiene
- Noticeable change in quality of work
- Appears disoriented
- Significant change in mood
- Inappropriate outbursts
- Bizarre written or verbal statements
- Inappropriate use of violent themes/subjects
- Persistent unwanted contact
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Trouble sleeping and/or eating
- Depressed or lethargic mood
- Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
- Dramatic weight gain or loss
- Verbal or written references to suicide
- Isolation from friends, family or classmates/colleagues
- Prepares for death by making a will or final arrangements
- Gives away personal belongings and prized possessions
- Suspected drug or alcohol abuse
Preventing Violence on Campus:
There is no 100% proven method of predicting when someone may become violent. Listed below are some indicators/signs that may warrant closer attention and possibly intervention. It is important to consider the context of the warning signs, such as tone of voice and your level of familiarity with the person that may be making those troubling statements.
- Making threats of suicide or statements about hurting one’s self
- Making threats of violence, directly or implied
- Expressing fascination with firearms or asserting ownership of firearms
- Having a known history of violence or behavior obviously insensitive to others
- Preoccupation with television, music, and/or stories about violence
- Identify with criminal or terrorist individuals, acts and/or philosophy
- Making references and maintain preoccupation with other incidents of publicized violence (collecting articles or photos, showing fascination with perpetrators of these events, etc.)
- Intimidating others, frequently confrontational
- Crossing boundaries (e.g., excessive phone calls or emails, impromptu visits, inappropriate gifts)
- Being easily provoked, showing sudden or erratic agitation with others
- Blaming others for things that go wrong and has no sense of personal responsibility
- Marked academic (or job) performance decline
- Demonstrate notable changes in personality, mood, or behavior
- Give away personal possessions
- Shows noticeable decline in personal hygiene
- Substance abuse
- Legal Problems
- Financial problems
- Family or relationship conflicts
Additional Campus Resources:
University's Behavioral Assessment Team
This team consists of representatives from the various offices listed below. The team meets regularly in an effort to share and discuss information as well as provide the most appropriate support possible to students in need. The team is coordinated through the University's Violence and Threat Management Office.
University Police provides advice and assistance from the law enforcement perspective, advises the Behavior Assessment Team on options within the Criminal Justice System, and when permissible, provides available information, including but not limited to background information, history of police involvement and additional information to assist with the threat assessment process.
University Housing plays a signifant role with students living in the residence halls on campus. Through their expertise, they are able to (1) provide a context for those students who live on campus and present potential threats; (2) share information from University Housing staff on residents who present concerns; and (3) provide advice on what University Housing staff can do to assist victims and perpetrators in any given situation.
The Counseling Center provide clinical expertise and knowledge regarding psychological dynamics in regard to particular cases. Where appropriate and when releases have been provided, they may also share information about identified students to enhance the standard of care.
General Counsel’s role is to provide information regarding relevant University policies, regulations and rules, and state, and federal laws and regulations in the course of investigations and response. General Counsel is also available to discuss balancing the risk and liability to the institution with respect to various situations.