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Where Do I Refer a Student?

Below are some common concerns a community member might have about a student and good sources to reach out for consult or referral. When in doubt, call someone. Even if we are not the right resource, we are happy to help point you in the right direction. The UCI community is dedicated to the idea that if you see something, you say something and do something.

Notice on Privacy

Depending on the federal laws governing the particular University department, staff are guided by either the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and may be limited from sharing certain information about a student without that student’s consent.
We encourage you to share concerns you have about a student with an appropriate department, and you may request that a department reach out to a student. However, the department may not be able to share information they have about the student with you in return.

 

If... Consult with or refer to…

There is an emergency or imminent danger

A student has expressed an intent to harm themselves or others

Police Department

Call 9-1-1 or UCI Police at (949) 824-5223 regarding a campus emergency or danger, or if you feel a situation involving a disruptive student may quickly escalate into an emergency or danger.

Examples include if you are concerned about the welfare of a possible missing person who has hinted about suicidal ideation, or a student is exhibiting aggressive, assaultive behavior such as being violent or destructive toward people or property.

A student is disruptive, which gives you general concern about the wellbeing of the student or others

Police Department

Call 9-1-1 or UCI Police at (949) 824-5223 regarding a campus emergency or danger, or if you feel a situation involving a disruptive student may quickly escalate into an emergency or danger.

Examples include if you are concerned about the welfare of a possible missing person who has hinted about suicidal ideation, or a student is exhibiting aggressive, assaultive behavior such as being violent or destructive toward people or property.

A student is disruptive, which gives you general concern about the wellbeing of the student or others

Academic Integrity & Student Conduct, Office of

If a student is disruptive in a manner that potentially violates University policies, report the incident to the Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct. Options for dealing with disruptive student issues include mediation, informal discussions and sanctions.

A student is disruptive, which gives you general concern about the wellbeing of the student or others

Consultation Team

When an issue is acute or includes multiple concerns requiring a coordinated response from multiple campus departments, the Consultation Team can assist in coordinating the appropriate departments to take a proactive stance to prevent or manage the issue.

You are concerned that a student has an acute or multiple mental health issue(s) impacting their functioning

Consultation Team

When an issue is acute or includes multiple concerns requiring a coordinated response from multiple campus departments, the Consultation Team can assist in coordinating the appropriate departments to take a proactive stance to prevent or manage the issue.

You are concerned that a student has an acute or multiple mental health issue(s) impacting their functioning

Campus Social Work, Office of

The Office of Campus Social Work provides case management for high-risk students with several psychosocial stressors impacting their university experience, and assists in connecting students to campus and community financial resources, including food, shelter, transportation resources and emergency financial support.

You are concerned that a student has an acute or multiple mental health issue(s) impacting their functioning

Counseling Center

Reach out, listen, empathize, normalize and de-stigmatize.

If you believe that it might be helpful for the student to be evaluated or receive therapy from a mental health professional, suggest that they make an appointment at the Counseling Center. Services include individual counseling, couple and family counseling, group counseling and psychological assessment/testing.

If the student is in crisis, you may consider offering to walk to the Counseling Center with them. During business hours, a crisis care therapist is always available for consultation and/or to see students in crisis. Live mental health specialists are also available by phone for after-hours urgent matters.

A student appears to be in some sort of distress

A student has said or alluded to experiencing a mental health issue or you have noticed worrisome changes in their behavior such as

  • Significant changes in sleep or eating habits
  • Personal hygiene deterioration
  • Angry or threatening outburst
  • Changes in levels of functioning (e.g., decreased academic performance, social withdrawal)
  • Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
  • Low energy level or continuous sadness
  • Irritability
  • Significant weight gain or loss

Counseling Center

Reach out, listen, empathize, normalize and de-stigmatize.

If you believe that it might be helpful for the student to be evaluated or receive therapy from a mental health professional, suggest that they make an appointment at the Counseling Center. Services include individual counseling, couple and family counseling, group counseling and psychological assessment/testing.

If the student is in crisis, you may consider offering to walk to the Counseling Center with them. During business hours, a crisis care therapist is always available for consultation and/or to see students in crisis. Live mental health specialists are also available by phone for after-hours urgent matters.

A student appears to be in some sort of distress

A student has said or alluded to experiencing a mental health issue or you have noticed worrisome changes in their behavior such as

  • Significant changes in sleep or eating habits
  • Personal hygiene deterioration
  • Angry or threatening outburst
  • Changes in levels of functioning (e.g., decreased academic performance, social withdrawal)
  • Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety or agitation
  • Forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating
  • Low energy level or continuous sadness
  • Irritability
  • Significant weight gain or loss

Graduate Division Counselor

If the student is a graduate student or post-doctoral scholar, the Graduate Division Counselor is an additional resource providing support and referral services to those in need of academic counseling or in personal distress. They also serve as a point of reference for faculty and staff in need of assistance in dealing with difficult student cases.

A student has shared that they were sexually assaulted, have experienced relationship abuse or are the victim of stalking

CARE

CARE provides support to assist UCI community members impacted by sexual assault, relationship abuse, family violence and/or stalking. CARE Advocates are free and confidential, and can assist with information about rights and options, investigation support and accompaniment and safety planning. Additional resources are available, including a lending library, group counseling, body-based healing programs and other expressive healing programs.

A student has shared that they were sexually assaulted, have experienced relationship abuse or are the victim of stalking

Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Office of (OEOD)

OEOD is responsible for the University's compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures regarding discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sex offenses.

Note that UCI policy states that employees who are not a confidential resource (including student employees) who in the course of employment receive information that a student has suffered sexual violence, discrimination or harassment shall promptly notify OEOD.

A student has shared that they were sexually assaulted, have experienced relationship abuse or are the victim of stalking

Clery Act Compliance Coordinator

If you are an official who has significant responsibility for student and campus activities, the federal Clery Act requires that you report any direct report of criminal activity you receive to the Clery Act Compliance Coordinator at the UCI Police Department.

A student has disclosed a permanent or temporary disability impacting their academic performance

Disability Services Center (DSC)

DSC provides services, accommodations and adaptive technology for students with documented permanent and temporary disabilities.

Additionally, although pregnancy is not categorized as a disability, temporary accommodations for pregnant students can be identified and secured through DSC.

A student has expressed they are having financial difficulties that are affecting their academic career

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students can contact the Financial Aid and Scholarships office to talk to a Counselor about their needs and receive information on their financial aid package and additional financial resource options, such as available loan offers.

A student has expressed they are having financial difficulties that are affecting their academic career

Campus Social Work, Office of

The Office of Campus Social Work provides case management for high-risk students with several psychosocial stressors impacting their university experience, and assists in connecting students to campus and community financial resources, including food, shelter, transportation resources and emergency financial support.

A student has expressed they are having financial difficulties that are affecting their academic career

Student Housing

If a student living in an on-campus housing community is having difficulty paying rent, a Student Housing Accounts Counselor can assist with payment options, such as deferment. Contact information can be found on the Payment Info page of the Student Housing website.

Students in graduate/family housing can also contact the Graduate and Family Housing Case Worker for assistance with resource linkage.

A student has expressed they are having financial difficulties that are affecting their academic career

Basic Needs Center

For immediate basic needs, students can be referred to the Basic Needs Center for emergency food and toiletries.

A student has shared that they were a victim of discrimination or harassment based on federally-protected categories (i.e., race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, protected veteran status)

Equal Opportunity and Diversity, Office of (OEOD)

OEOD is responsible for the University's compliance with federal and state laws and University policies and procedures regarding discrimination, retaliation, sexual harassment, and sex offenses.

Note that UCI policy states that employees who are not a confidential resource (including student employees) who in the course of employment receive information that a student has suffered sexual violence, discrimination or harassment shall promptly notify OEOD.

A student needs an informal, confidential space to explore their options to resolve a conflict, complaint, concern or problem (e.g., grade dispute, conflict with supervisor)

Ombuds, Office of the

The Office of the Ombuds acts as an independent, impartial resource to all students, faculty and staff, providing a safe and comfortable environment to discuss UCI-related issues confidentially. The Ombuds is a designated neutral and does not take sides, conduct formal investigations, maintain records, nor represent the university.

A student has expressed a concern about their sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections or preventing pregnancy

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center (LGBTRC)

The LGBTRC provides support and advocacy regarding sexual orientation, sexual attraction and gender identity.

A student has expressed a concern about their sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections or preventing pregnancy

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center is a comprehensive primary care outpatient clinic staffed with licensed physicians and nurse practitioners. Services include psychiatry, medical nutrition therapy, women’s health, STI testing, and contraception management, including online birth control prescription requests. Services are covered under the Student Health Insurance Program (UC SHIP).

A student has expressed a concern about their sexual health, including sexually transmitted infections or preventing pregnancy

Student Wellness & Health Promotion, Center for (CSWHP)

CSWHP offers confidential one-on-one health educator consultations on the topics of sexual health, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, nutrition, mental health awareness and wellness. CSWHP also provides free condoms.

A student parent has needs regarding pregnancy, their child(ren) or child care

Child Care Services

High-quality early care and education programs are available at five on-campus facilities. State-funded grants are available to students to subsidize child care, based on eligibility requirements and availability.

A student parent has needs regarding pregnancy, their child(ren) or child care

Campus Social Work, Office of

The Office of Campus Social Work provides case management for high-risk students with several psychosocial stressors impacting their university experience, and assists in connecting students to campus and community financial resources, including food, shelter, transportation resources and emergency financial support.

A student parent has needs regarding pregnancy, their child(ren) or child care

Disability Services Center (DSC)

DSC provides services, accommodations and adaptive technology for students with documented permanent and temporary disabilities.

Additionally, although pregnancy is not categorized as a disability, temporary accommodations for pregnant students can be identified and secured through DSC.

A student has concerns or questions regarding substance abuse, nutrition or general wellness (e.g., difficulties with sleep, life balance, self-care)

Student Wellness & Health Promotion, Center for (CSWHP)

CSWHP offers confidential one-on-one health educator consultations on the topics of sexual health, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, nutrition, mental health awareness and wellness. CSWHP also provides free condoms.

A student has concerns or questions regarding substance abuse, nutrition or general wellness (e.g., difficulties with sleep, life balance, self-care)

Student Health Center

The Student Health Center is a comprehensive primary care outpatient clinic staffed with licensed physicians and nurse practitioners. Services include psychiatry, medical nutrition therapy, women’s health, STI testing, and contraception management, including online birth control prescription requests. Services are covered under the Student Health Insurance Program (UC SHIP).

You as a faculty or staff member need additional personal mental health support

Summary of Campus Mental Health Counseling Services

See the resources listed under For Faculty & Staff.