Campus event focuses on working with students of concern

Contact: Cheryl Roland

Photo of a student.KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A panel of Western Michigan University experts will convene in a Thursday, Dec. 1, breakfast meeting to explore best practices in working with students of concern—those students who appear to be in distress and in need of special assistance.

Gathering at 8 a.m. in 1035 Fetzer Center, the panel will include staff members from WMU's Division of Student Affairs, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Ombuds and the Department of Public Safety. They will discuss options for campus community members who find themselves concerned about a student's welfare or observe uncharacteristic behavioral changes.

Designed for all interested faculty, staff and students, the panel will explore best practices on the topic and will provide examples of practical applications, resources and information available to address a range of situations. The session will focus on processes and resources that are specific to the main campus in Kalamazoo, but also will include information that will be of interest to the University's regional locations.

The event will cover signs of distress and difficulty, talking with students of concern, legal parameters, and how the campus process works when a student is referred through an existing form designed for individuals to share their concerns about an individual student. The goal of the discussions will be to increase the number of positive interventions that can prevent students from entering a full-blown crisis.

Registration required

Those wishing to attend the free event should reserve a spot by 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, at wmich.edu/provost/studentsofconcernevent.

Livestream

The event will be livestreamed at wmich.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Catalog/Full/277eb78ff2c14afd825e6762b7c1d6c021.  

The session is being organized and sponsored by WMU's Office of the Provost and Division of Student Affairs. For additional information about the event, contact Dr. Suzie Nagel-Bennett, dean of students and associate vice president for student affairs, at (269) 387-2150.

For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.