As a result of the tragic incidents which have plagued college campuses in recent years, many institutions have created mechanisms to proactively identify students of concern and provide early intervention to help the students overcome their difficulties and successfully continue with their collegiate experience. Students identified may be experiencing academic, personal, mental health, relationship or other issues that could interfere with their academic success or adjustment to college life, or create a danger to themselves or others.
The goals of the system are:
Early intervention of students who are at risk in one of the following areas:
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Academic progress that is unresolved with faculty intervention; students not responding to faculty attempts related to class attendance, course performance, etc.
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Personal health or wellness; students who continue to exhibit symptoms of impaired health, even after appropriate referral to a health provider.
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Students exhibiting behaviors or comments which have the potential to impact the safety of self or others.
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Students exhibiting strange or bizarre behavior patterns that have the potential for disruption to others and impaired performance; or extreme changes in behavioral patterns i.e. hyperactivity, very rapid speech, depressed or lethargic mood, deterioration in hygiene, etc.
How this system works:
Campus employees have the opportunity to identify and confidentially report concerns related to student behavior as it relates to academic progress, wellness or safety. A confidential referral form located in ANGEL has been developed. It is listed under "Hazleton Early Intervention Submission". Any member of the campus faculty or staff can submit a report. A member of the early intervention team will monitor the site daily and screen all entries for priority standing. Referral sources will be notified when the submission form is reviewed. The Early Intervention Team will meet as necessary to review submitted forms and determine appropriate disposition. Referrals will be made to appropriate academic, administrative or student affairs departments. Each submitted form will be documented and records will be maintained regarding disposition of reports. NOTE: This early identification system is not meant to replace individual interventions by faculty and staff and should only be used if other direct methods have been tried and failed.
What about confidentiality?
Information reported and reviewed by the early intervention team will be kept confidential by all members. Information may be shared strictly on a "need to know" basis in order to refer the student to the correct campus resource or intervene as appropriate. FERPA allows for communication to be shared among "school officials" who have a legitimate educational interest. Under FERPA, there is clear exception for risks to health or safety. For further information, please review the USDE publication "Balancing Student Privacy and School Safety: A Guide to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act for Colleges and Universities".
Members of the Early Intervention/Alert team:
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Director of Student and Services and Engagement
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Associate Director of Campus Life
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Campus Counselor
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Coordinator of Health Services
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Advising and Career Center Coordinator (DUS)
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Learning Center Coordinator
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Supervisor of Police Services
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Faculty Representatives