If you have concerns about a student's behavior, wellbeing, or conduct, you are strongly encouraged to share that information. Students, faculty, staff, and community members may make a report, even if you think it may be nothing. The information you provide, no matter how trivial it may seem, may be critical to understanding a broader range of problematic or concerning behavior.

Emergency vs. Non-Emergency

EMERGENCY - Act Immediately

Call 911 or Reynolds Police at 804-523-5911 (or dial 5911 from campus phones)

Use emergency services when a student shows:

  • Verbal or written threats to harm self or others
  • Self-injurious behaviors (cutting, burning, etc.)
  • Recent attempts to obtain weapons
  • Preparing for death (giving away possessions, saying goodbye, writing a will)
  • Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things not apparent to others)
  • Immediate physical danger to themselves or others

NON-EMERGENCY - Submit a Report

Complete the  Incident Report

Use the Incident Report to report concerning behavior, conduct violations, or academic integrity issues that don't require immediate emergency response.

This online form allows you to report:

  • Behavioral concerns and threatening behavior
  • Student conduct violations
  • Academic integrity issues
  • General safety concerns

The form is confidential and secure. You may submit reports anonymously, though providing contact information helps us follow up if needed. Not sure if your situation qualifies? Submit anyway and we'll help determine the appropriate response.

When to Submit an Incident Report

Academic and Conduct Issues

  • Academic dishonesty or integrity violations
  • Classroom disruptions or inappropriate behavior
  • Violation of college policies
  • Defiance of authority, rules, or limits
  • Destruction of personal or school property

Mental Health and Behavioral Concerns

  • Noticeable change in appearance and hygiene
  • Signs of mental/emotional distress (anxiety, panic attacks, depression)
  • Abrupt decline in academic performance or attendance
  • Suspected alcohol or drug abuse
  • Excessive absences, especially if prior attendance was good
  • Verbal expressions of hopelessness or thoughts of death
  • Significant change in life circumstances (job loss, death of loved one, divorce)
  • Unusual or changed interaction patterns (withdrawal from others)

Safety and Threatening Behavior

  • History of aggressive behaviors or violence
  • Verbal aggression or use of threatening language
  • Hostile or intimidating behaviors or body language
  • Comments about weapons or stories of harming others
  • Intense and inappropriate reactions or angry outbursts
  • Excessive distrust or paranoia of others
  • Communications containing aggressive or violent content
  • Preoccupation with weapons, violent events, or hate groups

When in doubt, submit a report!

What Happens After You Submit a Report
  1. Initial Review: The Dean of Students receives and reviews all reports promptly
  2. Assessment: The Violence Prevention Committee evaluates the situation to determine appropriate response
  3. Student Contact: The student of concern will be contacted by the Dean of Students
  4. Response: The student will receive resources, referrals, and/or appropriate interventions as needed
  5. Follow-up: The reporting party will be notified that the situation has been addressed (privacy laws limit details we can share)
About the Violence Prevention Committee

The Violence Prevention Committee (VPC) is a team of stakeholders on campus. They review and respond to reports about students whose behaviors may be a threat to campus safety.

Team Members Include:

  • Student Affairs staff
  • Campus Police
  • Human Resources
  • Licensed mental health therapist

The Team's Mission:

  • Keep the learning environment safe
  • Help individuals address behavioral and personal challenges
  • Respond to campus situations involving emotional distress or harmful behaviors
  • Train community members to help distressed students

The team meets regularly during the semester. They follow Reynolds Policy 1-35 (Student Conduct).

How to Help Someone in Distress

If you encounter someone showing concerning behavior, you can help using the HEART approach:

H - Hear: Listen genuinely and non-judgmentally. Speak calmly and avoid embarrassing the person in front of others.
E - Empathize: Acknowledge what you've heard and show understanding. Reflect their feelings back to them.
A - Assess: Determine if the person has resources to handle their situation. Ask about thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
R - Refer: Be aware of signs requiring professional help. Be honest about your concerns and don't promise secrecy.
T - Tell: Never ignore remarks about suicide or intent to harm others. Contact emergency services or the Dean of Students Office immediately.

Important Notes

  • Privacy Protection: We are committed to protecting student privacy while ensuring safety
  • No Retaliation: Reynolds prohibits retaliation against anyone who makes a good faith report
  • Professional Response: All reports are handled by trained professionals with appropriate expertise
  • Confidentiality: Reports are handled confidentially within the bounds of safety and legal requirements

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