Office of the Dean of Students          

Behavior Concerns

If you're concerned about a student, faculty, or staff member, our office wants to help.  Below are some tips on how to work with someone in distress. Also, anyone can go to the Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL) website or call BCAL at 512-232-5050 to express concerns about UT faculty, staff, students, and visitors. BCAL is available 24/7 and callers can choose to be anonymous.

Situations that present an immediate threat to persons or property are considered emergencies and should be directed to the University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) at 911.

How to Tell if Someone Needs Help:

How to Help Someone in Distress

Do:

Don't:

Language You Can Use:

What to Watch for / Levels of Concern

Low Level of Concern

Specific Behaviors

  • Excessive eye rolling
  • Constant interruptions
  • Irrelevant discussions
  • Violating classroom rules

Assessing the Situation

  • No direct threats
  • No previous concerns regarding this person
  • Makes others uncomfortable but nothing specific

Who to Call

  • Behavior Concerns Advice Line (BCAL): 512-232-5050

Moderate Level of Concern

Specific Behaviors

  • Interference in others' learning or work duties
  • Continuation of low-level behaviors even after addressed

Assessing the Situation

  • Implied or vague threat, such as "You'll be sorry" or "I don't care if I live any longer"
  • Not the first time I have had a concern regarding this person's behavior
  • Threat through verbal or electronic medium

Who to Call

  • BCAL: 512-232-5050
  • Student Conduct and Academic Integrity: 512-471-2841

High Level of Concern

Specific Behaviors

  • Threatening and posturing in an intimidating manner
  • Hate incidents
  • Active violence

Assessing the Situation

  • Clear direct and specific threat to hurt self and / or others
  • Multiple lower-level concerns
  • Access or potential access to weapons
  • Multiple incidents

Who to Call

  • UTPD: 911
  • Follow up later with BCAL (and Student Conduct and Academic Integrity if warranted)

Commitment to Student Privacy (FERPA)

Our office respects a student's right to privacy, and therefore, cannot provide information restricted by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student educational records and gives students (over the age of 18 or attending an institution of higher education) the right to access and correct their records. Other than directory information, information contained in the educational records cannot be shared without the students' written consent.