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. If student is reluctant, recommend TimelyCare.
Alternatively, contact Administrator on Call (Business hours: 847-491-8430; After hours: 847-467-3022)
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.
- Administrator on Call: https://www.northwestern.edu/nuhelp/get-help/dean-on-call.html
- Question. Persuade. Respond. Suicide Prevention Program: https://www.northwestern.edu/counseling/workshops-outreach/suicide-prevention-training-resources/the-qpr-suicide-prevention-gatekeeper-training-program.html
- Mental Health First Aid Training: https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/well-being/programs/mental-health-first-aid.html
Non-emergency concern regarding statements or behaviors that are threatening others
Recommended action(s)
Notify Behavioral Consultation Team by submitting the Wildcats Aware Form.
Contacts and resources
- Behavioral Consultation Team: https://www.northwestern.edu/up/your-safety/behavioral-consultation-team/
Program is unable to get in touch with student for 1 week or more despite repeated efforts
Recommended action(s)
In the case that there is concern for the student and you have made attempts to get a response (email, phone, and text) contact Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS) in the Dean of Students office for guidance.
If a student is in imminent danger, please bypass SASS and immediately reach out to NUPD at 847-491-3456 for assistance.
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
- Student Assistance and Support Services (SASS): During business hours: 847-491-4582; Outside of business hours call the Administrator on Call: 847- 467-3022
- TGS Student Services: gradservices@northwestern.edu; 847-491-5279
- Relevant Policies:
Student reports discrimination or harassment
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.
Report incidents of discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct to 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
- Title IX Coordinators (Office of Equity): https://www.northwestern.edu/sexual-misconduct/get-help/title-ix-coordinators/index.html
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 the student to the appropriate emergency service and the 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 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
Contacts and resources
- Title IX Coordinator (Office of Equity): www.northwestern.edu/sexual- harassment/index.html
- Relevant Policy:
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 (OISS) 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
- OISS: 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 Office of Work/Life & Family Resources Well-being Manager.