The Clarkson Community–faculty, staff, and students–are in a position to look out for one another and, if necessary, provide assistance. One of the simple and effective mechanisms available to members of the Clarkson Community to offer support to students is by submitting a SafetyNet referral. Submitting information via SafetyNet mobilizes a response to your concerns quickly and appropriately by a committee functioning as a support team. Please include full name and ID number (including leading 0 when applicable) for all students to ensure we reach out to the correct student. Quick and easy access to complete the SafetyNet referral form can be found on the Quick Links drop-down list on the Clarkson intranet as well as on the Moodle Help Hub.
On average, there have been no SafetyNet referrals for over 50% of the students who are academically separated each semester. We need your assistance to improve our student support.
Your SafetyNet referrals result in supporting approximately 200 students each semester. Our ability to connect with these students as early as possible maximizes their potential for academic success. Otherwise, students may stop showing up to class or do poorly on exams when we could have helped them with basic needs, safety concerns, etc. In short, each SafetyNet referral helps us to maintain student safety and to maximize student retention and persistence.
Issues relating to academic performance, bizarre behavior, or concerning comments can lead to further discussion related to their personal well-being and might include topics such as:
- Class attendance
- Mental health (grieving with the loss of a loved one, depression, anxiety, etc.)
- Physical health (chronic medical problems, sleep disorders, disordered eating, etc.)
- Substance abuse (student self-report, appears intoxicated in class, etc.)
- Legal concerns
- Safety concerns (behaviors relating to excessive risk-taking, etc.)
- Food insecurity or lack of basic needs (food, housing, etc.)
- Academic uncertainty and persisting through college
Although we know it can be difficult in large lecture courses, we remind faculty that the University Regulations state that instructors are requested to report more than three consecutive absences to the Office of the Dean of Students in order to provide a minimal check on the physical and academic well-being of the student. Reporting these absences should occur on this form. Instructors can enter multiple names and IDs on one form.
Historically, less than half of the students who are academically separated each semester are referred as students of concern through SafetyNet. As we all strive to improve retention and persistence, the SafetyNet committee requests everyone’s assistance with submitting a referral on students who may be at risk academically, personally, financially, or socially. The more support that we can provide these students, the better their chances are of recovering the semester academically.
Please contact Dean of Students Kelsey Pearson with any questions, comments, or concerns at deanofstudents@clarkson.edu or 315-268-6620. You may also find more information on the Office of the Dean of Students intranet page.