Student Concerns & Comments

See Something. Say Something. CARE.

 

Your Voice Is Important!

As a student we want you to be able to easily report a concern, share a comment and make your voice heard.


General Concern Report

The purpose of this form is to keep North Dakota State College of Science informed about student incidents and/or student well-being concerns. In addition, this form may be used to inquire about available resources or file a formal academic grievance. Upon completion of form, please click 'submit.'

Concern Report Form


Use this form to keep North Dakota State College of Science informed about:

  • Student incidents
  • File a Formal Academic Grievance
  • File a General Student Concern
    • Inappropriate behavior that made you/someone else uncomfortable
    • Harassment of you or another student
    • Hate speech directed at you or another person
    • Bias, bigotry, hate directed toward you or another person
    • You or someone you know needs assistance and are unsure where to go
 

NOTE: The NDSCS Concern Reports are checked regularly. However, if you need immediate assistance or if you feel yourself or someone else is in danger contact NDSCS Police at 701-671-2233.
 

 

Mission 

The NDSCS CARE Team is dedicated to a proactive, multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach to identifying, assessing, and responding to incidents across the spectrum of risk. By partnering with community members, the team educates on the importance of submitting referrals that enable early intervention and comprehensive violence risk assessments. Every referral is carefully evaluated, and appropriate interventions are initiated based on risk levels. Through these efforts, the team strives to promote individual well-being and student success while maintaining the paramount responsibility of ensuring a safe and supportive community. 


Vision 

Promoting wellbeing and safety through early identification, care, and coordinated response.

 

 

Submitting a Concern Report

off
Submitting a Concern Report
Who should be referred and when?

You should refer a student to The NDSCS Care Team when you notice any behaviors that are: 

  • Concerning
  • Disruptive
  • Uncharacteristic
  • Or may indicate a student is struggling personally, emotionally, or academically


When in doubt, refer. 

The NDSCS Care Team is here to assess concerns, determine next steps, and connect students with appropriate resources. Submitting a report doesn’t mean the student is in trouble—it’s a way to ensure they’re supported.

Indicators of Concern

WHO TO REFER: ACADEMIC RED FLAGS 

  • A sudden or unexpected change in classroom or research performance
  • Decline in enthusiasm for class (e.g. no longer participating in class discussions)
  • Frequent requests for special provisions (e.g. late papers, extension requests, postponed exams)
  • Disruptive, hardened, or unusual participation in class (e.g. questions off topic, argumentative in discussions)
  • Strange or bizarre writing (e.g. writing is off topic to prompt, writing includes violent imagery, fantasy)
  • Poor focus or attention during class 

 

WHO TO REFER: EMOTIONAL INDICATORS 

  • Explosive or impulsive behavior
  • Emotions that are extreme for the situation
  • Teasing or bullying (receiving or giving)
  • Social withdrawal, isolation, loneliness, etc.
  • Change in typical personality (more outgoing or more withdrawn than usual)
  • Difficulty dealing with an event (e.g. death of loved one)
  • Mentions dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorder, etc.
  • Marked irritability, anger, hostility, etc.
  • Talking to or seeing things that aren’t there
  • Delusional or paranoid speech or actions
  • Difficulty connecting to others
  • Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, etc.
  • Talks about themes of suicide, loss of will to live, etc.
  • Directly mentions self-harm, suicide, or harm to others 

 

WHO TO REFER: PHYSICAL INDICATORS 

  • Chronic fatigue or falling asleep at inappropriate times
  • Marked change in personal hygiene or appearance
  • Noticeable change in energy level
  • Dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Confused, disjointed thoughts, speech, or actions
  • Attends class or work hungover or intoxicated, or frequently appears hungover or intoxicated
  • Signs of self-injury (cuts, burns, etc.)
How do I make a referral?

Faculty, staff, students, and families/friends concerned about the behavior of a student may report the behavior via the concern report form (linked below) that will be sent to the Team. 

The report requires a detailed account of why the person is concerned with specific examples of troubling behavior. The person submitting the form will receive confirmation from the CARE Team acknowledging receipt of the report and seek additional information if needed. 

If this is an emergency, dial 911.

Care Concern Report Form

 

 

About the NDSCS Care Team

The CARE Team at North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is a multidisciplinary group committed to promoting the health, safety, and success of our campus community. CARE Team identifies and responds to students of concern by: 

  • Proactively assessing behavioral and mental health indicators,
  • Coordinating appropriate support services, and
  • Taking early, preventative action before situations escalate. 

Our team works to foster a culture of care by connecting students to resources, providing outreach, and maintaining a safe learning environment for all. 

We encourage faculty, staff, students, and community members to report any concerns related to student behavior, well-being, or safety. Your referral can make a difference.

Additional Resources

off
Additional Resources
Sexual Misconduct, Assault & Discrimination

Here at NDSCS, one of our goals is to provide information and resources to educate students about sexual assault prevention and awareness. We also strive to assist a survivor immediately after an assault.

Click here to report a sexual assault, discrimination or sexual misconduct.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Concerns
Alcohol

Are you concerned about your alcohol use and/or drug use? Or the use of those close to you? Various resources exist both on and off campus to assist you!

>> Alcohol & Other Drug Information
>> eCheckup To Go: Alcohol

Marijuana

Students struggling with marijuana use are encouraged to contact the NDSCS Counseling Center for free, confidential counseling services. For more information on marijuana and the effects on your body, click here

>> eCheckup To Go: Marijuana

Tobacco

Interested in quitting? Many resources are available in the community, on-line and on campus to support you.

>> Tobacco-Free Campus
>> eCheckup To Go: Tobacco

Temporary Medical Condition and Military Leave Procedure

NDSCS is committed to supporting the academic success of all students and recognizes that some life events inhibit this process or necessitate a temporary leave of absence. Examples of life events may include, but are not limited to, temporary medical conditions (conditions that are expected to be resolved in a matter of weeks or a few months, e.g., injury, severe illness, or recovery from surgery), pregnancy/parenting, and military leave. NDSCS will attempt to assist students dealing with unforeseen life events.

Please complete the Concern Report Form describing your situation and an employee of NDSCS will be in contact with you.

Complaints to the North Dakota University System office

The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has delegated to North Dakota University System (NDUS) college and university officials authority and responsibility to resolve student and other complaints. Absent applicable law or policy establishing another remedy, the first step in resolving student or other complaints or grievances is to attempt to resolve the matter directly with the administration of the involved institution under established institution complaint or grievance procedures. Every NDUS institution is required to establish, publish, and enforce policies related to redress of complaints and grievances – NDSCS concern page provides this information for NDSCS. With limited exceptions, a student or other person who contacts the NDUS office regarding complaints regarding NDUS institutions will be referred to college or university officials responsible for resolving those matters.

For specific questions/concerns regarding this policy,  please complete the Concern Report Form describing your question, and an employee of NDSCS will be in contact with you.

Pregnant and Parenting

In compliance with Title IX, Title VII, and other state and federal laws, NDSCS prohibits discrimination against students and employees because of their pregnancy or parental status.  NDSCS supports its pregnant and parenting students and employees by providing appropriate accommodations, along with support for nursing mothers.

Pregnancy Accommodations

Students who need assistance with academic adjustments related to pregnancy or childbirth may contact the Title IX Coordinator, Sandi Gilbertson, at 701.671.2904 – sandi.gilbertson@ndscs.edu to learn about adjustments, family medical leave, and other accommodations that may be available. 

Lactation Support

NDSCS provides a lactation space for students who may be breastfeeding at each of our campus locations.  One is located in Old Main, 3rd floor (Wahpeton) and the other in Room 154C* (Fargo). 

Wahpeton Campus Map
NDSCS-Fargo Map

*This is a locked room. To utilize this space, visit the NDSCS Fargo Student and Administrative Services front desk.

 

Resources

Nurse-Family Partnership Program - Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based community health program that empowers young, first-time expectant mothers create better futures for themselves and their babies.

Child Care

Women, Infants and Children - WIC is a nutrition program for pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and young children. WIC offers healthy food for proper growth and development and helps families choose healthier ways of eating.

Additional Resources