CU Boulder’s Division of Public Safety (DPS) wants to be sure students, faculty and staff know how to recognize and share behaviors of concern, to help ensure everyone’s safety. The university’s integrated and robust public safety resources now includes the Department of Threat Assessment.
The Department of Threat Assessment ensures continuous monitoring and mitigation; provides consultation and intervention methods; and maintains a comprehensive documentation repository for any instances of threatening or concerning behavior exhibited by faculty, staff or nonaffiliates to safeguard the well-being of our entire campus community and ensure a secure and supportive environment for all. The Department of Threat Assessment leads the behavioral intervention team and serves in a leadership role on the Students of Concern team.
We define a threat as…
A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something (including self). A threat can be spoken, written or symbolic. Not all threats, nor those who threaten, are equal in their potential for harm, but all threats that are brought to the attention of the university will be taken seriously, evaluated and documented.
Cultivating a Boulder Culture of Reporting
CU Boulder has several robust processes for individuals to share concerns and request support, including several reporting options through CUPD, the Don't Ignore It website and anonymously through CU Boulder Safe2Tell. When concerns are reported, they are evaluated and addressed through tailored processes depending on the involved populations.
Informational reports are crucial, as they allow us to monitor and identify patterns in behaviors before any intervention is necessary. By submitting a report, even if you prefer no immediate action, you help us aggregate and connect these reports with others from different campus sources. This approach reduces communication gaps and enhances our understanding of specific behaviors and individuals involved.
As we strive to cultivate a Boulder Culture of Reporting, we encourage everyone to report any observed behaviors—whether threatening or suspicious. Your reports are vital for our team to assess and address concerns effectively. Let’s work together to keep our campus safe and informed.
When people exhibit concerning behaviors, they typically need help or support. Concerning behaviors range from escalating anger to changes in appearance to sadness, depression or isolation. If they communicate a plan to cause harm to people or places, or they are in crisis, it is important to share or relay these concerns to people who can help. This assistance can include referrals to confidential counseling services, campus support resources, medical and health services, and protective or no contact orders through law enforcement.
Chart illustrating the Division of Public Safety organizations and resources
Concerned about a CU Boulder student?
Anyone can refer a student who is displaying signs of distress to Student Support & Case Management (SSCM). SSCM case managers can provide individualized support to students and are professionally trained to assess the safety and well-being of both the student and the CU community.
A student in distress may be acting withdrawn, depressed or anxious, or exhibiting aggressive, destructive or disruptive behaviors. For more information on recognizing a student in distress and referring them to resources, find guidance in the CU Red Folder. As always, if a threat is imminent, call CUPD or 911 immediately.
There are three ways to refer a student to SSCM:
- Fill out the SSCM referral form.
- Call SSCM at 303-492-7348.
- Email sscm@colorado.edu.
What about CU Boulder faculty, staff and nonaffiliates?
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) evaluates concerns about faculty, staff and nonaffiliates including alumni, former students who have been unenrolled for at least three semesters and guests.
Effective communication is fundamental within the CU Boulder community as we endeavor to address the humanitarian, social and technological challenges of the 21st century. We uphold the values of openness, clarity, conciseness, purposefulness, timeliness and respect in all forms of communication. Therefore, we expect individuals engaging with us to exercise sound judgment, tact and diplomacy.
