Proactive outreach from instructors or advisors when they identify that a student is facing challenges with their academic work can be extremely beneficial in our work to support our students’ success.

This form is not intended to replace direct outreach from an instructor or advisor to a student about whom they are concerned; rather, it is intended to activate a wider institutional support network for our students. These reports will alert advising offices that a student is experiencing challenges in one or more classes. The advising office can then begin a conversation with the student about their options and make sure they’re connected to resources which can help them.

When should an instructor or advisor use this form?

  • This form is intended for use when an instructor or advisor has identified that an undergraduate student’s academic performance in a course (or courses) warrants concern; particularly if the instructor/advisor has attempted to engage directly with the student and they have been non-responsive after multiple attempts. 
  • Additionally, if the instructor/advisor believes the student would benefit from help in navigating university resources we encourage the submission of this form. 
  • If you have information surrounding a student’s behavior in regards to personal, physical, or emotional wellbeing that is shared directly with you or observed in your interactions with the student, please use the WashU CARES form for your report. If you report through WashU CARES, please mention any academic challenges you have observed in your description and WashU CARES staff will alert the relevant school’s advising office.  

If you have an immediate concern for the health or safety of the student or others that requires emergency response, please call WUPD at 314-935-5555 or dial 911.

Filling out this form constitutes an official communication with the university; for information regarding confidentiality, please see the FAQ below. You may be prompted to login with your WUSTL key to access the form. Choose “Courses”, “Advisees”, or “Student Search” from the menu bar at the top to report a student currently enrolled in one of your courses, an advisee, or a student who is neither.

What action will be taken if I submit a form?

The advising/student services office of the student’s home school will initiate follow up, involving campus partners as warranted given the nature of the concern. Priority will be placed on engaging with the student; therefore, during particularly busy times of the semester, there may not be follow up with the individual who submitted the form. 

Is the information I provide in this form confidential? Will the student know I submitted this form?

The form responses will not automatically be forwarded to the student, however, follow up with the student may directly or indirectly indicate that an instructor from a specific class/ or the student’s advisor reached out with a concern and the general nature of that concern. In addition, students are entitled to review their education records under FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act), and the form may be disclosed if requested.

School officials will protect the privacy and security of student records as governed by FERPA . FERPA protects education records but permits communication with parents and university personnel in connection with a health or safety emergency. Additionally, advising office/student services staff may be in contact with and/or may disclose information with other University personnel who have a legitimate interest.

If the report references allegations of sexual misconduct, advising office/student services staff (who are mandatory reporters) will connect with the RSVP Center and the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office.  Staff responding to these forms are mandated by Title IX to report sexual misconduct allegations, stalking, harassment, domestic violence, and dating violence.

If the form response details conduct that might fall under Title IX, responding staff are expected to notify the Gender Equity and Title IX Compliance Office with the names of the parties involved and the details of the report. Confidential WashU resources that are not mandated to report include the medical and mental health resources at Habif Health and Wellness Center, RSVP Center, Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Helpline  peer counseling (SARAH) and the Director of Religious and Spiritual Life.

What if I want to talk to someone about my concern?

You can contact the advising/student services office of the student’s school, or, if you’re not certain of the student’s school affiliation, the office of your own school. 

Arts & Sciences: Email AcademicSuccess@wustl.edu 

Olin Business School: Shawn Brodie, brodie@wustl.edu (314) 935-4691 

McKelvey School of Engineering: Lisa Gillis-Davis, lisag@wustl.edu (314) 935-6042

Sam Fox School of Design & Visual ARts: Joseph Fitzpatrick, josephf@wustl.edu (314) 935-6532

University College: Elizabeth Fogt, efogt@wustl.edu (314) 935-6778, or Andy Thorp, thorpa@wustl.edu (314) 935-4320