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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)

  1. 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.
  2. If safety not an immediate concern, contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for further consultation. The CAPS counselor on call should help you determine next steps.

Contacts and resources

Concern about student’s psychological well-being

Recommended action(s)

  1. Refer to the resources listed above in the case of threat/danger.
  2. Ensure student knows that Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a resource. Faculty and staff can also consult CAPS staff regarding students in distress, how to suggest counseling, and what resources are available for students by calling 847-491-2151.
  3. Contact the Administrator on Call (AOC), especially in a crisis situation. The AOC ensures that students in distress receive timely, appropriate referrals and levels of support to stabilize a crisis situation until longer term mechanisms for support and referral can be made. During business hours call: 847-491-8430. After hours, call: 847-467-3022.
  4. Recommend TimelyCare for additional wellness resources.

Contacts and resources

Non-emergency concern regarding statements or behaviors that are threatening others

Recommended action(s)

  1. Notify Behavioral Consultation Team by submitting the Wildcats Aware Form.

Contacts and resources

Program is unable to get in touch with student for one week or more despite repeated efforts

Recommended action(s)

  1. page1image2506980576If there is concern for the student and you have made several attempts to get a response (email, phone, and text), contact Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) for guidance. During business hours, call 847-491-4582. Outside of business hours call the Administrator on Call: 847- 467-3022
  2. If a student is in imminent danger, please bypass SASS and immediately reach out to NUPD at 847-491-3456 for assistance.
  3. If there is not concern for the student’s safety/well-being, follow protocol for notifying student of possible unsatisfactory academic progress; email TGS Student Services as needed.

Contacts and resources

Student reports discrimination or harassment

Recommended action(s)

  1. Report incidents of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance and refer the student.
  2. 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.
  3. If the discrimination is gender based and involves a student, contact the Deputy Title IX Coordinator.

Contacts and resources

Student reports sexual misconduct (including sexual assault, sexual exploitation, stalking, dating/domestic violence, and sexual harassment)

Recommended action(s)

Contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance and visit the Sexual Misconduct Response & Prevention website for additional guidance.

* Please note, contacting The Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance is required any time a faculty or staff member becomes aware of sexual misconduct experienced by a student. It is also ideal to refer the student to the appropriate emergency service and the Center for Awareness, Response and Education (CARE).

Contacts and resources

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)

  1. Contact Research Integrity at researchintegrity@northwestern.edu or 312-503-0054

Contacts and resources

Student requests accommodations related to a disability

Recommended action(s)

  1. Refer the student to AccessibleNU to evaluate if the student is eligible to register and receive reasonable accommodations.

Contacts and resources

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

Student is romantically involved with faculty or staff member or with another student who has evaluative authority over them

Recommended action(s)

  1. 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

Contacts and resources

International student has questions about visa status, work authorization, or resources for international students

Recommended action(s)

  1. Refer to Office of International Students and Scholar Services (OISS) adviser for visa issues or questions/concerns re: acculturation, workshops/events, and other resources.
  2. Recommend resources and programming offered through English Language Programs (ELP).

Contacts and resources

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)

  1. Refer to the Caregiving Resources for Graduate Students from the Talent Development & Well-being team in Human Resources.

Contacts and resources