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Counseling Center

Behavior Response Guide

This guide has been developed by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Advocacy, Response, Evaluation and Service (CARES) Team to aid faculty and staff as they encounter behavior that is disruptive, threatening or indicates distress.

Any faculty or staff member can refer students to the CARES Team. Visit the Report a Concern page or call 419.530.4357 to submit a Rocket Care form.

Referrals are addressed promptly. The resolution of a referral is always governed by a course of action that balances the best interest of the student with the needs of the UToledo community.

Concerned about a student?

Emergencies

For a medical or fire emergency, or a crime in progress on any campus call 911 immediately.

Suicide Concern

If the student is threatening or actively attempting suicide, call 911.

If you are concerned that a student is considering suicide call UToledo Police at 419.530.2600 and refer the student to the University Counseling Center.

Non-Emergencies

Main and Health Science Campuses: UToledo Police 419.530.2600

Center for Visual Arts (at The Toledo Museum of Art): Toledo Police 419.245.3340

 

Disruptive Behavior

Disruptive behavior includes any behavior that interferes with a student, faculty or staff member’s access to an appropriate educational or work environment. This behavior may be a violation of the Student Code of Conduct. This may include inappropriate use of electronic devices and sleeping in class.

Addressing Disruptive Behavior

DO
  • Set limits.
  • Be firm and consistent.
  • Focus on what you can do to help.
  • Ask the student to leave if the behavior continues.
  • Document the behavior and your response in written communication.
DON'T
  • Get into an argument.
  • Blame, ridicule or use sarcasm.
  • Touch.
  • Ignore safety issues.

Threatening Behavior

Threatening behavior is perceived as constituting a threat to another’s safety anywhere on campus. This may include harassment, verbally insulting others or through paper/emails and physical disruptions or altercations.

Addressing Threatening Behavior

DURING
  • Direct the student to leave.
  • Call UToledo Police if necessary.
  • Clearly indicate if there is a perceived threat to UTPD.
  • Tell UTPD what you want to happen.
AFTER
  • Complete an incident report on the Report a Concern page.
  • Consult the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards regarding next steps.
  • Document the incident via email or your department procedure.

Distressed Behavior

Distressed behavior indicates that a person is coping with a serious mental health or a significant life issue. This behavior may cause others to worry about the person’s own safety or the safety of others. Distressed behavior and signals may include undue aggressiveness, hyperactivity or rapid speech, loss of contact with reality and excessive absence or tardiness.

If the individual discloses that there has been an act of sexual misconduct, let them know as soon as possible that anything they tell you may be reported to the Title IX Office, and you can help them reach a confidential counselor if that is their preference.

Addressing Distressed Behavior

DO
  • Speak to the student privately.
  • Express your concern in genuine, non-judgemental terms.
  • Tell them you're willing to help.
  • Make referrals to appropriate resources.
  • Listen carefully to what they are saying.
  • Help them explore options.
  • Maintain clear and consistent boundaries and expectations.
  • Recognize your limits
  • Document the behavior and your response in written communication.
DON'T
  • Promise confidentiality.
  • Judge or criticize.
  • Ignore unusual behavior.
  • Make the problem your own.
  • Involve yourself beyond the limits of your time and skill.

If the student is not a risk to harm themselves or others

University Counseling Center

  • Confidential.
  • Does not impact academic records or standing.
  • Sessions are free to registered UToledo students.

Consultations or Questions

Emergencies, Treatment and Support Services

If you are concered about a student, consult your department chair, supervisor and report the concern to Student CARE services. Prmotly report safety concerns and Student Conduct Code viaolations. Consult with Counseling and Psychological Services for issues you suspect are related to mental health. If you are not sure how to handle an emergency situation, contact the Division of Student Affairs senior leader on call, at 419.343.9946.

Online Resources

Last Updated: 9/1/22