Refer a student you are concerned about

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 Office of Student Assistance and Support 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 contact you within 1 business day to to confirm your submission and discuss next steps. In most cases, our office will reach out to the student(s) 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

Refer A Student of Concern

The Office of Student Assistance and Support staff promptly reviews each Student of Concern referral during business hours (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm).

• This referral form should not be used for emergency or life-threatening assistance until after contacting emergency services listed on referral form.  

There are several possible steps that staff may take to coordinate support options for the student based on the circumstances and information available. Though each response may follow a different path, for each referral our staff will: 

Coordinate Student Support and Outreach: 

These steps may include (but are not limited to): 

• Direct outreach to the student via multiple means (email, phone, text) to offer support. 
• Consult with campus partners to coordinate support. 
• Consult with student’s academic advisor, faculty, University Housing, or other areas where student is affiliated. 
• Utilize UW databases to determine student’s status or engagement on campus. 

Respond to the Submitter: 

To respect student privacy, we may not be able to share all details of the situation, but we may share relevant information on a need-to-know basis. 

• Our staff will confirm receipt of the referral and share next steps, typically within one business day (if the submitter provides contact information). 
• In most cases, our staff will provide an update to the submitter either once contact is made with the student or when we have relevant information to share. While our staff will promptly take action once a referral is made, submitters should expect that it can take two weeks or more to reach a resolution. 

*The Office of Student Assistance and Support closely aligns its practices with that of the Higher Education Case Management Association (HECMA) and the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association (NaBITA).