Assessment and Consultation Team for Students

History

The Assessment and Consultation Team for students was established in the fall of 2006 to respond to incidents of high-risk mental health, disciplinary or criminal behavior exhibited by students. A team of university professionals was formed to review, discuss and coordinate an appropriate response to students exhibiting inappropriate behaviors, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or other mental health issues. Representatives from the Department of Residence, Student Health Clinic, University Police, the Counseling Center and Dean of Students Office meet every two weeks to discuss the ongoing treatment, care, response and management of these high risk student cases. The team and related processes are overseen by the Dean of Students.

Mission

The mission of the Assessment and Consultation Team (ACT) is to provide a coordinated analysis and response plan for the university’s high-risk student critical incident cases within the framework of assuring a safe campus community. These efforts consist of offering mediation or adjudication of student conduct code violations; medical, counseling and psychiatric services and referrals; and criminal investigation and prosecution of cases. In fulfilling this mission, the ACT promotes students’ physical and mental wellness, a safer campus community and the retention of students who can be successful when treatable issues and behaviors are addressed and managed.

Goals

1. To make sure continuous health care and counseling services are available to students who are in need.
2. To make sure students who display undesirable behavior are held accountable through the university conduct system.
3. To provide a safe educational environment and community.
4. To increase the retention rate of high-risk students.

Potential Outcomes

1. To develop a specific strategy to manage the situation with regard to safety for others and/or the student and minimize disruption to the university community. Issues include assessment of potential violence, containment of disruption, referral for treatment or management of the perceived core problem, and setting appropriate behavioral boundaries within existing university and/or department policies and procedures.
2. If appropriate, the ACT may suggest enactment of one of the following actions using the “least restrictive resolution” principle:
   1. Withdrawal from a course
   2. Withdrawal from the university for medical reasons
   3. Suspension for medical or behavioral reasons
   4. Withdrawal from university housing
3. Legal action or referral for university disciplinary action as appropriate.
4. UNI Police presence provided for a difficult meeting, perceived safety concerns or any appropriate purpose.
5. Communication to keep appropriate persons informed of unfolding events and resolutions on a need-to-know basis.

Reporting a Concern about a Student

UNI faculty, staff or students who are concerned about the behavior of a student that is potentially dangerous to self or others or is disruptive may contact the person below who seems the most appropriate for the situation. Initially, the team member will consult with at least one other team member to determine an initial course of action or may commence an initial response with an individual consultation within the scope of their unit.

The team member will then provide a report of the concern and any initial action taken to the team during the next regular meeting or the team member may request a special meeting of the ACT to discuss the concern. A team member is then designated to follow each case.

Confidentiality and Records

All meetings and communication will be considered confidential. Any documents, forms or other information submitted to the ACT, along with information obtained related to a student concern, are considered educational records of the individual student and are maintained by the Office of Vice-President for Educational and Student Services. Information contained in those records will be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Members of the Assessment and Consultation Team

Director, Counseling Center 273-2676
Dean of Students 273-2332
Associate Director, Department of Residence/Housing 273-2333
Director, Student Health Clinic 273-7224
Director, University Police 273-2712