W. Scott Lewis, JD The National Center for Higher Education Risk Management NCHERM.org

Introduction and illustration Who are our students? Why should I report? What should I report? Who do I report to? What happens after I report something? Questions & Discussion

Staff & Faculty are frequently in the best position to notice and report student behavior. You find yourself on the “front lines.” The events at Virginia Tech, NIU, etc. impress upon us all the necessity of being vigilant.

1. Societal Changes 2. Technology 3. The New Consumer 4. Mental Health Issues 5. The Changing Parent 6. The Thresholds of Violence 7. Access to Weapons

 Born between 1982/4 and 2003/5  Also referred to as Generation Y, Generation Next, Generation Q  Today, will be 26 years old or younger

The 2006 National Survey of Counseling Center Directors found that: o 40% of students had severe psychological problems o 8% of students had such severe mental health issues that they could not remain in school o 32% of students experienced severe problems but were able to stay in school (Gallagher, 2006)

What are the illnesses students are struggling with? 17% were adjustment disorders (depressed mood, mixed with anxiety features) 32% were diagnoses of depression and/or bipolar disorder 51% were diagnoses of anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders ( Schwartz, 2006)

Students with mental illness are the fastest rising disability group on college campuses. Of all college students, 35-40% will suffer from some form of mental illness during their college career. Of all students with disabilities, psychiatric disabilities make up 15-21% report having a psychiatric disability. The onset of major mental illnesses occurs between the ages This makes campus one of the prime locations for first eruption of these illnesses.

"Helicopter Parents"

“Large” Intimidating Obvious

Specific “Quick” Secretive

Concerned Vicarious Invested “Friend”

 Returning Boomers – Lifelong Learners  Second Career Gen Exers  Emptying the nest a second time  Field specific  The Veterans

Negligence Theory  Pre Virginia Tech  Post Virginia Tech  The 3 rd Restatement of Torts

Negligence 101  Duty  Breach  Causation  Injury Pre-VT Post-VT

IV-4 : “Incidents of aberrant, dangerous, or threatening behavior MUST be documented and reported immediately to a college’s threat assessment group, and MUST be acted upon in a prompt and effective manner to protect the safety of the campus community. (emphasis added)”

“IV-6 Policies and procedures should be implemented to require professors encountering aberrant, dangerous, or threatening behavior from a student to report them to the dean. “Guidelines should be established to address when such reports should be communicated by the dean to a threat assessment group, and to the school’s counseling center.”

Roughly 80% of school violence perpetrators raised serious concerns about the potential for violence amongst friends, family, peers, or other community members prior to their acts Roughly 80% of school shooters shared their plans, or parts of their plans, with others prior to their shootings.

Section 142 of the 3 rd Restatement of Torts

It will go away on its own Nothing will happen if I tell anyone anyway I will get in trouble if I report this or it will make me look bad I am afraid of retaliation I don’t want to be viewed as a “rat” or “Intolerant” or “unkind” I don’t want to be responsible for pushing someone “over the edge.”

Disruptive Distressed Disturbed Dysregulated Medically Disabled

Anything that causes you concern. Anything that prevents you from being able to effectively perform your duties. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and let the appropriate officials make the determination on the level and type of intervention.

Identify that this is not a “cross-over” into Distressed, Disturbed, or Dysregulated behaviors Remain calm and in control. Listen to what is being said. Acknowledge the individual’s feelings (but do not justify the behavior). Allow appropriate emotional expression. Identify and acknowledge the concern/issue. Offer a solution or to continue the discussion at an appropriate time.

DO NOT: Raise your voice Argue with the student Challenge or threaten the student Get too close to the student (personal space) Allow the student to get too close to you Touch the student (EVER!) Point or use gestures that are challenging or threatening Use any abusive or derisive language Humiliate the student

Document the incident with the Department Chair, the Dean, and the Student Conduct Office. When documenting, include:  What occurred – be specific and chronological (include any historical perspective with the student)  When – time/date(s)  Where – exact location (include the layout of the room, when applicable)  Who was involved – include all witness names Do not include any language that is judgmental, abusive (unless quoting a party to the incident), or attempts to diagnose a student’s condition

For more information on training contact W. Scott Lewis, JD at or This presentation is the intellectual property of the presenter and may not be used without express written permission.