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Interim Protocol on How to Deal with Threats from Students

January, 2008

QUFA has heard from Members about situations where student behaviour is a concern; in this note we hope to give you some guidance on how to deal with these.

At the end of this document, you will note that the University is in the process of developing a formal protocol for dealing with these concerns. This document is intended to act as a guide for Members until the protocol has been developed.

  1. If you believe that a student is unduly rude, then it may be worthwhile bringing this to the attention of your undergraduate or graduate chair or unit head.

  2. If you are concerned about behaviour which is not just rude but which makes you feel fearful or seems abusive or out of control (e.g., an angry outburst, physical or emotional threats, stalking, harassment, aggressive criticism or ridicule, etc.) and perhaps suggests a risk of harm, you should not ignore it. Take the following steps:

    1. As soon as possible speak to the unit head and describe what happened. Be as specific as you can be about the behaviour(s) that concern you.

    2. Make a written note describing what you experienced. (If there were others present who were witnesses to the behaviour(s), ask them to do the same.) A written note is important because it is likely that some aspects of the memory will fade unless you make a note. The sooner after the event that you write down the details, the more complete the memory. The note does not have to be formal, but it should document the following information about the incident:

      1. Date
      2. Time
      3. Location
      4. Context
      5. Specific behaviours, phrases or gestures used; the more accurately the behavioural detail can be recorded, the better.
Remember, all interpersonal communication is complex and if either party is anxious, frightened, angry or distressed, the chances of confusion and forgetting the details later are much greater - so, make a note.

If the incident involves written material (e.g. a threatening note, worrisome comments which form part of a written assignment submitted to a Member), it will be important to store the document safely. It is quite likely that he/she will be asked to show it to others involved in the process of responding (see below). You (accompanied by the undergraduate or graduate chair or unit head) may want to meet with the student to discuss his/her behaviour; however keep in mind the following:

  1. If the behaviour suggests a threat, you should contact Security immediately.
  2. Under no circumstances should you meet one-on-one with a student who has been abusive, and most emphatically never with a student who has made or implied a threat against you.
If you or the undergraduate or graduate chair or unit head feels that the situation is one that is either unclear (i.e. you/they are uncertain about what to do) contact:
  • Mike Condra (Health, Counselling and Disability Services) and
  • David Patterson (Director, Campus Security)
Mike Condra has experience in responding to situations where Members are concerned in one way or another about a student's behaviour. He will be able to advise you about next steps, how to respond etc. He may also ask to meet with the Member and other witnesses, and this is where the written note describing the event is useful.

QUFA suggests that you keep us informed at each step of the process should a serious situation arise.

Notes:

The University is in the process of developing a protocol for handling situations where there is a concern about behaviour that may pose a risk. One component of this protocol will be a Threat Assessment Team. That group should be up and running in 2008; more information will be provided to Members in due course. In the interim, Mike Condra will remain the first point of contact for concerns about worrisome behaviours.

Mike has recently distributed a memo and pamphlet detailing action to be taken if a student is in distress or behaving unusually. We urge you to consult these documents.

QUFA will request that the University provide appropriate training to unit heads and other relevant Queen's staff to ensure the protocol functions properly.

Contact information:

  • Mike Condra (Health, Counselling and Disability Services) x 74932
  • David Patterson (Director, Campus Security) x 74602
  • David Wright (Campus Security, Case Management Coordinator) x 74070