Students of Concern Team

The Students of Concern Team seeks to proactively identify, assess, and offer a coordinated institutional response to situations with the potential to negatively impact the health, safety, and success of the University at Buffalo community members.

On this page:

Coordinated Response

This group serves as a central body to which concerning student behaviors may be referred for action or remediation. The team meets regularly to discuss referral cases and coordinate individualized responses to support students who are identified as struggling. Team members assess referred students for their potential risk to the campus and community, make decisions based on the best interests of both the student and the university, and then put individuals in touch with appropriate support services. 

Membership

The Students of Concern Team is chaired by the Dean of Students Office and is comprised of a multidisciplinary group of administrators from Student Life and other units at UB.

Dean of Students Office

  • Colleen M. Connolly, MS Counseling, Director for Student Support and Resources
  • Benjamin L. Fabian, MS College Student Personnel Administration, Associate Director for Student Support and Resources
  • Katie R. DeStefano, MEd School Counseling, Student Support Coordinator

Campus Living

  • Chris Bragdon, MA College Student Personnel, Associate Director for Residential Life

Counseling Services

  • Kathryn Benfanti, LMHC, Clinical Case Manager and Counselor

Student Conduct

  • Elizabeth A. Lidano, MSEd College Student Development, Director of Student Conduct

Student Health Services

  • Mary Stock, MD, Senior Physician

University Police

  • Carl Lundin, Deputy Chief of Police

What Kind of Behavior Should I Refer?

It’s important to refer any disruptive or disturbing behavior you see in students.

  • Any incidents or interactions with students that cause you to think they may be a threat to their own or another person’s safety; all verbal, written and implied threats should be documented
  • Any written work a student submits with a disturbing theme or references
  • Behavior such as a decline in academic performance, a significant number of absences or a decline in personal appearance can be cause for concern when it is out of the ordinary for a particular student

See Something, Say Something

People who might be violent usually have other types of problems long before they begin to act out in violent ways. It’s important to know the early warning signs, and contact the appropriate campus office when you see suspicious behavior.

How to Refer a Student

Emergency Referrals

  • Call University Police at 716-645-2222 or pick up any blue light emergency phone
  • Crisis Services of Erie County is an off-campus resource that is also available 24/7; you can call them at 716-834-3131

A situation may be an emergency if:

  • You are concerned for your safety or for the safety of others
  • You believe a student is considering suicide and requires immediate intervention

Non-Emergency Referrals

You can submit a Student of Concern referral to a team managed by the Dean of Students Office online.

Need additional assistance?

University at Buffalo
315 Student Union, North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260

Phone: (716) 645-2982; Fax: (716) 645-2260