Support Council
“I don’t know what to do about this student.”
During the school year, students may develop academic, physical, emotional or social problems that require assistance from University support services; this assistance is coordinated through the Support Council.
What We Do
The Support Council provides a multi-disciplinary environment of services to support the University in dealing with these students. When a faculty or staff member becomes aware that a student needs assistance, they should contact a member of the Support Council.
Make a Referral
When concerns are raised, the member will respond with advice and referrals, taking the issue to the Support Council and coordinating services and additional referrals as needed. The Support Council will assess any student who is referred, to discern the best possible plan to promote the student’s success at Duquesne.
Confidentiality
The Support Council follows all legal and professional standards of confidentiality.
Members may provide faculty or staff with the information necessary to protect the health, safety and privacy of the student, or of outside parties, involved in a particular case.
How We Help
The Support Council creates an integrated and comprehensive approach for the at-risk student while maintaining confidentiality. We meet monthly (during the academic year) to review the needs of students who have been referred and review policies.
Members consult with administration, faculty and staff - and when needed, legal counsel, advisors, the registrar or parents - to:
- Recommend an appropriate response
- Develop a specific strategy to manage the student’s behavior
- Recommend action consistent with University policies, state and federal law
Special Situations
In time-sensitive, high-risk situations, a special meeting may be called by any member.
- The Support Council assesses any student who is referred, to discern the best possible plan to promote the student’s success at Duquesne.
- The aim is to recommend a course of action to the Executive Vice President for Student Life that is based upon the Student Code of Conduct and University policies.
- If a criminal act has occurred or is discovered during an inquiry, the Executive Vice President for Student Life shall be notified immediately.