Each UCLA community member, and outside member, offers a valuable perspective when working with students in distress. We share the responsibility of responding when a student’s health or safety is at risk by reporting these concerns to the appropriate offices and referring students to campus resources. If it is not clear whether a student is in distress please do not hesitate to contact us for a consultation.
If there is an emergency or incident that needs an immediate response, please call 911 or contact UCPD at (310) 825-1491. To refer a student of concern please complete our online report form:
Online submissions will be addressed during regular business hours, Monday-Friday, excluding University holidays. If a submission is posted after hours, the matter will be addressed the following University business day.
Signs of an Emergency
Contact UCPD (310) 825-1491 or 911
- Threats of harm to self or others
- Preoccupation with violence or persons who have engaged in violence
- Preoccupation with weapons, especially combined with access to weapons
- Mentioning plans for a violent or destructive event
- Emergency situations
Signs of Distress
- Experiencing a decline in work or academic performance
- Missing class, activities, work or personal commitments
- Demonstrating disruptive or disturbing behavior
- Showing significant changes in appearance, behavior or weight
- Making disturbing comments in conversation, email, letters, social media postings or papers
- Sad, anxious or experiencing dramatic mood shifts
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Isolating themselves socially
- Acting paranoid or suspicious
- Frequently angry or easily frustrated
- Struggling with health, finances, or family problems
- Thoughts of harm to self or others
Tips
- When in doubt, reach out!
- Listen, refer, document, report.
- Contact the Case Managers if you intuitively feel like the student needs help.
- Know your limits. Keep in mind what your role is in working with students. Trained professionals are available to help.
- Tell students you can have a private, but not confidential, conversation. Refer students to CAPS, Student Legal Services, or the Ombuds Office if they wish to have a confidential conversation.
- Contact the Case Managers if you’d like additional guidance or refer to the Red Folder.
Medical Excuse Notes
- Students who are unable to attend work or class, or unable to complete an assignment, examination or presentation due to acute medical condition, can request a medical excuse note from The Ashe Center Patient Portal. Please see How to Request a Medical Excuse Note for more information.
Peer Support Guide
- If you are a student concerned about another student, please check out our Peer Support Guide.