If a student or any other person on campus shares information or behaves in a way that leads you to believe he or she could harm himself/herself or others, you are obligated to report that information to the appropriate University administrator. You can make a report to either the Dean of Students or Chief of Police.
While it's almost impossible to identify a person who wants to commit an act of violence, according to the American Psychological Association, violence is a serious possibility if a number of these warning signs are witnessed:
- Repeated loss of temper
- Frequent physical fighting
- Vandalism or property damage
- Increased use of drugs and alcohol
- Increased demonstration of risk-taking behavior
- Announcing plans or threats to commit acts of violence or hurt others
- Enjoyment in hurting animals
- Carrying, access to or fascination with weapons, especially guns
- Withdrawal from friends and usual activities
- Feelings of rejections and marginalization
- Being a victim of bullying
- Poor school performance
- History of discipline problems or frequent run-ins with authority
- Failing to acknowledge the feelings or rights of others