Students of Concern Committee (SOCC)

At AUS, the safety and wellbeing of our students are primary concerns. In support of this, AUS has formed the Students of Concern Committee (SOCC), which provides a centralized process to coordinate the university’s response to support students who are exhibiting concerning behavior. The committee coordinates efforts when a student’s behavior could potentially be harmful to self or others and when student welfare is a concern. If necessary, the committee may meet with the student, but most of its communication is with the Vice Provost for Student Life.

SOCC Members

• Lisa Bardill Moscaritolo, Vice Provost for Student Life, Chair
• Juliet Coutinho, Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Co-chair
• Husam Abdelkhaleq, University Counseling Services
• Hajra Hussain, University Counseling Services
• Danielle Hyland, University Counseling Services
• Mehvash Ali, Academic Support Center and First Year Experience
• Issam Zaarob, Student Residential Life

Others Available for Consultation

• Security and Protocol
• International Exchange Office
• Office of Registrar
• Vice Provost for Graduate Studies
• Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction
• Associate Deans of the Colleges/School
• Advisors
• Office of Financial Grants and Scholarships
• University Health Services

Goals of the SOCC

• To help a student who may be in distress and address the behaviors that may be causing a disturbance
• To coordinate, as a committee of professionals from different departments on campus, efforts to strategize on a plan of action for the student
• To communicate with those on campus concerned about a student’s wellbeing
• To train community members to identify and refer students in distress
• To review and revise policies and procedures related to student wellbeing

Process

• A faculty member, staff member or student (the reporter) contacts the Vice Provost for Student Life and/or designee about a student who may be in distress and the concerning behaviors exhibited.
• The reporter will complete a care report through Simplicity.
• A member of the committee will discuss the matter with the reporter to gather more information.
• The Vice Provost for Student Life or designee will gather members together and discuss a coordinated plan of action.
• The Vice Provost for Student Life or another member of the committee will contact the student regarding the plan of action.
• The committee will consult with the Provost and Chief Academic Officer on the action plan.
• A member of the committee will communicate with the reporter during this process.

Behaviors of Students in Distress

If you observe any of the following signs in a student, please contact the Vice Provost for Student Life’s office or to another member of the committee:

• Excessive absences
• Dramatic changes in mood or behavior
• Recent trauma or loss
• Delusions
• Morbid/bizarre themes in assignments
• Significant/sudden weight loss/gain
• References to suicide or harm to self/others
• Written or verbal threats
• Emotional dysregulation
• Significant deterioration in academic performance
• Marked changes in personal hygiene
• Social withdrawal

Confidentiality and Privacy

SOCC will keep confidentiality and privacy in mind when discussing students. Only those within the AUS community with legitimate need-to-know will be consulted or informed

of confidential or private information regarding a student. The SOCC will balance the request for confidentiality with the safety of the community. SOCC will follow the confidentiality statement highlighted on p. 17 and 23 of the Student Handbook.

SOCC will keep the best interest of students in mind when making decisions on who at the university should be consulted, and when parents and guardians should be involved. Any records kept on students of concern will be kept private through a shared file or SIMS (Student Infraction System).

SOCC recognizes that University Health Services and University Counseling Services are bound by confidentiality, and trusts information will be only be shared when there is a health and safety concern that may impact the safety of the community.