As we enter midterms, we want to remind you of the resources available to support students through this stressful time of the semester. This guide shares Student Affairs resources for addressing student concerns, from early intervention to crisis situations.  

If you’re worried about a student or notice a change in behavior, act with thoughtfulness and concern. If a student has not been attending your course, or you have other concerns, the first step would be to reach out to them directly to check in.  Recognize, Respond, Refer offers training and resources for supporting student mental health, including email templates for reaching out to students.  

If you do not hear back from a student after a week, and they have not re-engaged in the course, this would be a good time to fill out the Student of Concern Referral form. This allows enough time for staff from the Office of Student Assistance & Support (OSAS) to reach out to the student, check in with them, discuss academic options (like dropping a course), or connect them with other support resources. This also allows the student time to make decisions before critical academic deadlines elapse. Learn more about OSAS and the student of concern referral process. 

If you are concerned about a student’s mental health, University Health Services (UHS) can help. During business hours, faculty and staff may call and speak with a mental health provider for guidance on how to respond to and support a student experiencing mental health concerns. Students can also be referred directly to Mental Health Services, including by walking them to UHS or calling together to help make the connection.  

The UHS 24/7 Crisis Line is available at any time for students seeking support for themselves, as well as for anyone concerned about a student who may be experiencing a mental health crisis and needs immediate assistance. 

If you believe a student is experiencing a mental health crisis and is in need of immediate assistance, or if this is an emergency, please call the UW–Madison Police Department at 608-264-2677, the UHS 24/7 Crisis Line at 608-265-5600 (option 9), or dial 911.  

Additionally, you can report concerns related to sexual misconduct and protected class discrimination, harassment, and bias to the Office of Compliance using their online reporting form. The office can connect affected students, staff, and faculty to support resources and formal reporting options. Remember, some employees have different reporting obligations (for child abuse and sexual misconduct); those can also be reviewed on the Office of Compliance website.  

Academic and nonacademic misconduct can occur inside and outside of the classroom. Resources through the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) will help you navigate the conduct process. Before student behavior disrupts the learning environment, please review the resources found on “Navigating Classroom Dynamics & Disruptions.” 

The McBurney Disability Resource Center is available for consultation in support of students with disabilities. Instructors can log in to the Instructor Portal of McBurney Connect to review accommodation letters and reach out to the access consultant listed on a letter with questions about a specific student. Review their instructor resources, and include the McBurney Center as a resource when sharing available support with students. 

Regardless, if you don’t know where you go, have questions, and would like to talk through a situation, you can start with OSAS through drop-in: call 608-263-5700 during office hours or send an email to osas@studentaffairs.wisc.edu. 

For comprehensive campus guides on supporting students, including how to talk to students you’re concerned about, addressing disruptive behavior, and verbal de-escalation techniques, visit  UW–Madison faculty and staff resources page through OSAS.