University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

The Students of Concern Team is not solely focused on dealing with students who have exhibited threatening behavior. Team members help any student who might be struggling in some way.

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• “It’s not just about threat assessment; it’s about prevention before it gets to the point of threat.”

  Elizabeth Lidano

  Director, Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Advocacy

By SUE WUETCHER

Published: February 3, 2011

Don’t be afraid to report behavior that prompts concern about a student.

That’s the word to the UB community from the Students of Concern Team, a group aimed at ensuring that UB remain a safe, and caring, campus environment by intervening with students who may be disruptive to themselves or others, or who may need campus resources to address a variety of personal issues.

While many universities label groups such as Students of Concern “behavioral assessment teams,” “behavioral evaluation teams” or “threat assessment teams,” the approach is different at UB, says Elizabeth Lidano, director of the Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Advocacy, and a member of Students of Concern.

“It’s not just about threat assessment; it’s about prevention before it gets to the point of threat,” Lidano says.

“Our group looks at any concerning behavior and where we can intervene positively. It’s not solely about dealing with a student who has exhibited some sort of threatening behavior. It’s about helping any student who might be struggling in some way”—for instance, someone with a mental health issue or who has in some way been a victim of a crime, she explains. The group is looking to identify students “in circumstances where we could intervene and be helpful and try to get them to our services.”

The group, which meets weekly, includes Lidano; Colleen Connolly, student support coordinator in Judicial Affairs; University Police Chief Gerald Schoenle; Kevin Ahuna, senior associate director for residential life, University Residence Halls and Apartments; Elizabeth Snider, associate director, Counseling Services; and Mary Stock, senior physician, Health Services. Lidano notes that other specialists are brought in as consultants when needed.

Students of Concern deals with individuals who are experiencing a variety of issues, ranging from depression, substance abuse and social problems to students who “may cause disruption of show that they are in distress,” she says.

“We do a little bit of everything—a little threat assessment, a little getting people to our services, some victims assistance,” she says.

The group also routinely conducts welfare checks on students, as well as parent notifications when necessary, and frequently carries out interventions—meeting with students, talking to parents and sometimes even levying temporary or long-term suspensions.

Lidano points out that with national events like the recent shooting rampage in Tucson drawing attention to this issue, “it’s human nature to be afraid or concerned about being the reporting individual.”

“But creating a culture of reporting is really critical to prevent situations like this,” she says.

“We always try to approach the student in a manner that shows we are helpful. We want to help, we want to know if they need resources. People care about each other in this community. It’s our job to give them (the reporting individual) guidance and if they come forward, we want them to know we have multiple options.

“And if it’s necessary to make a police report, we will strongly encourage it,” she says. “It’s never an easy thing to do; it’s not always easy if it’s a student you know from the university,” she says, “but it’s still important to notify the police if you have information that you’re concerned about.”

Lidano admits it can be hard in these kinds of situations “to know what you should bring forward—just being a little odd or eccentric doesn’t mean you’re going to be problematic in any way.”

“Just listen to your gut,” she advises. “If something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to call. And help us foster a reporting culture.”

Anyone with concerns about a student can call the Students of Concern helpline at 645-4444 or the Office of Judicial Affairs and Student Advocacy at 645-6154 during business hours.  For imminent threats or concerns, call University Police at 645-2222 anytime.

The university also has compiled a comprehensive list of online resources available for consultation and referral when concerns arise about students, as well as faculty or staff who may pose a threat to themselves or others.

Schoenle advises faculty and staff with concerns about a co-worker to contact University Police immediately if someone poses an immediate threat to health and safety. Continuing, long-term problems—if there is no sense of urgency—should be reported to a supervisor and, ultimately, University Human Resources.