Navigating Student Behaviors

As faculty and staff members, you are often the first to notice when a student is in distress. It is important that your concerns are documented and followed up on by the appropriate Goodwin University resource providers.

If you are working with a student in distress:

  • Be aware of the location of the nearest telephone, either a campus phone or your cell phone.
  • If a student is causing a disruption to the classroom or office environment but does not pose a threat:
    1. Ask the student to leave the room.
    2. Discuss the situation with the student and address the inappropriate behavior.

If the situation presents an immediate threat, call 911.

Emergency - Imminent threat or harm

If a student is causing a disruption to the classroom or office environment, is displaying very unusual behavior, including but not limited to, dangerous verbal or physical threats, active threats of suicide.

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Potential harm to self or others

DIAL 911

Mental health consultation

On-ground counselor

Lisa Mooney, LMFT
  • Phone860-913-2159
  • Email

If on-ground counselor is unavailable, contact Security.

24/7 virtual support

Timely Care
  • Phone833-485-6359 (for faculty/staff support only)

Support after 5 p.m.

Campus Security: 860-913-2100 or x5555
211 Connecticut: 2-1-1

Notification of administration

Provost: 860-727-6991
Student Affairs: 860-913-2149

File an Incident Report

Non-emergency - No imminent threat or harm

If faculty or staff had knowledge or observes behavior of a student who is troubled, confused, irritable, lacks motivation/concentration, demonstrating bizarre behavior, or indirect references to suicide..

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Referral to Student Care team

Danni Millett, M.Ed.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

  • Phone860-913-2149
  • Email

Consultation or questions

Counseling: 860-913-2159
Title IX Coordinator: 860-913-2207
Disability and Access Manager: 860-727-6718
Academic Advising: goodwin.edu/academic-advising

File an Incident Report

Additional resources

IT: 860-727-6743
Student Support Coordinator: 860-913-2072
Student Affairs suite: 860-913-2043
Title IX and Equity Compliance: 860-727-6741

Green and blue columns correlate to green and blue columns below.

The Student Care team is often called to help faculty and staff better understand the difference between disruptive and dangerous behaviors. Below is a list of common behaviors that can be differentiated, although overlap may occur. This model provides a framework to help educate the difference between behavioral management and more serious and dangerous behaviors.

Frustrating behaviors

Frustrating behaviors are the most common type of behavior. They may not be disruptive or concerning but can cause discomfort in others.

  • Staring
  • Not picking up on social cues
  • Standing within others’ personal space
  • Contacting an office multiple times
  • Phone Use (calls, texts, social media)
  • Involving parents/attorneys in situations
  • Frequent interruption
  • Asking irrelevant questions
  • Eating or drinking without permission
  • Working on non-class materials
  • Not completing homework/unprepared

For unresolved classroom behavior issues, work with the program director to address concerns.

For concerns regarding student well-being, contact Danni Millett.

Disruptive Behaviors

Disruptive behaviors will have a significant effect on the classroom, office, or campus environment, but may not appear to be an immediate threat.

  • Misuse of technology
  • Inappropriate or revealing clothing
  • Crosstalk or side conversations
  • Persistent interruptions
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Excessive interaction with an office
  • Yelling/Excessively Loud
  • Arguing grades after professor redirect
  • Refusing to leave or cooperate

Refer these behaviors to Student Care team

Danni Millett, M.Ed.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

  • Phone860-913-2149
  • Email

Dangerous Behaviors

These behaviors indicate possible violence or cause concern that should be addressed quickly and by someone with appropriate training.

  • Racist or otherwise fixated thoughts
  • Bullying behavior
  • Direct threats
  • Prolonged non-verbal passive aggression
  • Alcohol or substance use
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Harassing/Stalking behavior
  • Physical assault
  • Sudden and dramatic change in personality
  • Psychotic, delusional, or rambling speech
  • Objectifying language that depersonalizes
File an Incident Report

The Student Care team is a multidisciplinary team set up to assist faculty and staff to help identify and work with students in distress. For more information regarding the Student Care team, contact Danni Millett, Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at 860-913-2149 or .