Resources for Assisting and Referring Graduate Students
Find recommended actions for a variety of situations.
Concern that a student is a threat to others or self
Recommended action(s)
If you believe that you and or someone else may be in any kind of immediate physical danger at any time, call 911 or NUPD at 847-491-3456.
If safety not an immediate concern, contact CAPS for further consultation. The CAPS counselor on call should help you determine next steps.
Contacts and resources
If immediate danger: Call 911 (or 847-491- 3456)
Concern about student’s psychological well- being
Recommended action(s)
Ensure student knows that CAPS is a resource; call CAPS for consultation, if necessary. Refer to the resources listed above in the case of threat/danger.
Contacts and resources
- CAPS Services for Students: http://www.northwestern.edu/counseling/
- Consult with a member of the CAPS staff, call 847-491-2151: CAPS staff will consult with faculty/staff re: students in distress, how to suggest counseling, and what resources are available for students.
- QPR Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper Training Program: www.northwestern.edu/counseling/outreach-education/suicide-prevention/
Program is unable to get in touch with student despite repeated efforts
Recommended action(s)
In the case that there is concern for the student’s well-being and you have made attempts to get a response (email, phone, and text) contact Student Assistance and Support Services in Dean of Students office for guidance.
If there is not concern for student’s safety/well-being, follow protocol for notifying student of possible unsatisfactory academic progress; consult TGS Student Services as needed.
Contacts and resources
Dean of Students Office: During business hours: 847-491-8430
Outside of business hours for Dean on Call: 847- 467-3022
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
TGS Student Services: gradservices@northwestern.edu; 847-491-5279
Student reports discrimination
Recommended action(s)
If the discrimination is not gender based, submit an incident report via RespectNU. A member of the Bias Incident Response Team will follow up with you.
If the discrimination is gender based and involves a student, contact the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
For all types of discrimination, if the person responsible is faculty or staff, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access and refer the student.
Contacts and resources
- Respect NU: https://www.northwestern.edu/inclusion/respectn u/our-community/index.html
- Deputy Title IX Coordinator for complaints involving students: Amanda DaSilva, Amanda.dasilva@northwestern.edu or 847-467- 6571
- Office of Equity: https://www.northwestern.edu/equity or call 847-467-6165
Student reports sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual harassment)
Recommended action(s)
Contact the Office of Equity and visit the Sexual Misconduct Response & Prevention website for additional guidance.
* Please note, contacting The Office of Equity is required any time a faculty or staff member becomes aware of sexual misconduct experienced by a student. It is also ideal to refer student to appropriate emergency service and Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE)
Contacts and resources
- Title IX Coordinators (Office of Equity): https://www.northwestern.edu/sexual- misconduct/get-help/title-ix- coordinators/index.html or call or call 847-467-6165
- CARE: www.northwestern.edu/care/
- Sexual Misconduct Policy: http://www.northwestern.edu/provost/policies/tit le-ix/sexual_misconduct_policy.pdf
Student is accused of academic misconduct (cheating, plagiarism)
Recommended action(s)
Alleged academic misconduct involving a student in The Graduate School (TGS) must be reported by the complainant to the appropriate Assistant or Associate Dean.
Contacts and resources
Accusation is made re: research misconduct
Recommended action(s)
Contact the Office for Research Integrity
Contacts and resources
Office for Research Integrity: http://www.researchintegrity.northwestern.edu/research-misconduct/ or call 312-503-0054
Student requests accommodations related to a disability
Recommended action(s)
Refer the student to AccessibleNU to evaluate if the student is eligible to register and receive reasonable accommodations.
Contacts and resources
AccessibleNU: http://www.northwestern.edu/accessiblenu/ or call 847-467-5530
Student requests accommodations related to pregnancy, lactation or parenting
Recommended action(s)
Refer to policy on “Accommodations for Pregnant and Parenting Students.” Students who wish to discuss or request accommodations based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions, should contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students.
Contacts and resources
Title IX Coordinators: http://www.northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct/get-help/title-ix- coordinators/index.html
Student is romantically involved with faculty or staff member or with another student who has evaluative authority over them
Recommended action(s)
Refer to policy on “Consensual Romantic or Sexual Relationships Between Faculty, Staff and Students.” If you perceive that the relationship is a violation of this policy, contact the Title IX Coordinator (Sexual Harassment Prevention Office)
Contacts and resources
Title IX Coordinator (Sexual Harassment Prevention Office): www.northwestern.edu/sexual- harassment/index.html
International student has questions about visa status, work authorization, or resources for international students
Recommended action(s)
Refer to Office of International Students and Scholar Services (IOSS) advisor for visa issues or questions/concerns re: acculturation, workshops/events, and other resources.
For ESL questions, contact Program for English Language Learners.
Contacts and resources
- IOSS: www.northwestern.edu/international/about/staff. html or call 847-491-5613
- Program for English Language Learners: https://www.elp.northwestern.edu/
Student has questions about child and family resources such as parental leave, child care, dependent health insurance or other work/life issues
Recommended action(s)
Refer to the TGS Family Resource Liaison.
Contacts and resources
TGS Child and Family Resources or call 847-467-1460