Responding to Potentially Violent Student
Aggression varies from threats to verbal abuse to physical violence. It is very difficult to predict aggression and violence; however, the following can be indicators or "Red Flags" of potential violence:
- Paranoia
- Dramatic change in work or study habits
- Decline in personal grooming
- Deterioration in social relationships
- Impulse control problems
- Argumentative; talks about revenge or vengeance
- Grandiose; always has to be right
- Psychotic, delusional
- Emotional expression that doesn't match context
- Highly disruptive behavior (hostility, aggression, etc.)
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating a loss of contact with reality
- Suicidal or other self-destructive thoughts or actions: direct or indirect verbal or in written materials (assignments, journals, emails, etc.)
After the incident, debrief with department chair or dean, Public Safety Officer, and/or a member of CARE Team.
