UMass Boston

Emergencies

• If this is an Emergency, please contact UMass Boston Police at 617.287.1212 or local police by dialing 911.

The Dean of Students Office serves as consultants for faculty and staff who have concerns about students they teach or employ. We seek to serve as a “one stop” for community members who are concerned about a student in crisis. The office also provides support and notification in the event of a student's death.   

Concerned About a Student?

Any member of the University of Massachusetts Boston community may come into contact with a distressed student. Many students come to the attention of faculty or staff through journal entries, papers, or shifts in behavior, mood, appearances, etc. Being aware of distress signals, methods of intervention, and sources of help for the student can help you assist the student. If your situation is urgent but not life threatening, the Dean of Students Office is available to provide assistance to faculty and staff with issues ranging from health and wellness, threatening or disruptive behavior, and other safety issues.

• Responding to Students in Distress: Quick Reference Guide
• Responding to Students in Distress folder
• To refer a student to our office, please submit a Care Case Management Referral Form. 

Code of Conduct

The Dean of Students Office oversees the student conduct process and the Student Code of Conduct.   

FERPA 

Our staff is bound by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and with the exception of a crisis situation, the Dean of Students Office shares information about student concerns only on a need-to-know basis to the extent permitted by FERPA.  

Care

The Dean of Students Office collaborates to provide seamless communication and outreach which fosters student growth, development, and success by providing intervention, outreach, resources, referrals, advocacy, and follow up services. The Dean of Students Office reviews reports and helps identify students who are struggling to navigate the university system, students with current and emerging mental or physical health issues, and students experiencing issues adjusting to academic and social life.   

Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) 

The mission of the BIT is to evaluate and address student behavior that raises concerns for the health and well-being of a student or members of the community.  BIT will coordinate the resources of the University to intervene and provide necessary supports. BIT will address student behaviors that are disruptive and may include health and well-being and/or safety concerns.

Class Attendance Guidelines

For information on the University Class Attendance Guidelines and the Notice of Absence guidelines, please review this page. Student's may  submit a request for a Notice of Absence (NOA) letter  when they are absent for 3 or more consecutive days.  We will notify faculty that the student supplied documentation that meets the requirements for receiving an NOA. We do not share their documents or any personal information unless requested by the student. Students are responsible for contacting their faculty to make up missed work.

Resources and Tools for Faculty

• Embracing Inclusive Approaches to Attendance Policies and Student Absenteeism
• Teaching in Times of Crisis
• UMB Student Suicide Intervention Protocol
• Wellbeing Support Syllabus Statement Examples

See Also

• University Space Use Policy
• University’s Excused Absence Policy