SOS Behavior and Wellness Referral

If you are concerned for a student, please submit a SOS referral.

Question What is a SOS Referral?

The SOS Referral is a tool for faculty, staff, students, and community members to share concerns about a student’s well-being with Student Outreach and Support.

Question Why does the University of La Verne need this type of referral?

Colleges and universities across the country have found that having a tool like the SOS Referral is crucial. It helps identify students who might need support with their well-being and connects them with someone who can offer the right resources.

Question When should I submit a referral?

We understand college is, naturally, a stressful time; however, if you notice any of the following signs with a student that are present for 2+ weeks, we encourage you to submit an SOS referral. Your referral can help connect the student with the support they need.

Is a student you know:

Experiencing a decline in work and/or academic performance?
Demonstrating disruptive and/or disturbing behavior?
Showing dramatic changes in appearance, behavior, and/or weight?
Having problems at home, with classes and/or work?
Making disturbing comments in conversation, email, letters, social media postings and/or papers?
Sad, anxious and/or experiencing dramatic mood shifts?
Abusing alcohol and/or drugs?
Isolating themselves socially?
Acting paranoid and/or suspicious?
Frequently angry and/or easily frustrated?
Struggling with health problems?

These behaviors, especially when more than one is present, may be indicators that a student is in distress. ULV and the local community have plenty of resources to offer support. Your SOS referral can make a difference.

Question What if I want to remain anonymous?

While it is helpful to have your information when submitting an SOS referral, we understand there are times when you might prefer to remain anonymous. You are still encouraged to submit an SOS referral, if you feel comfortable. Please remember, based on the details provided , the student may be able to determine who submitted the referral regardless.

Question Can a family member submit a referral?

Yes, family members are welcome to submit an SOS referral if they are worried about their student. You can request that SOS reach out to your student to offer support. It is important to note that SOS cannot share any student information without their written permission. However, we’re happy to provide general information about university policies and departments.

Question What information do I need to submit a referral?

Providing as much information as possible is essential. Helpful details include:

Brief factual description of the incident and/or behavior
Direct quotes whenever possible
Where and when the incident and/or behavior occurred
Your name, position, and complete contact information
Emails, voice recordings, text messages, etc. related to the referral

Question How do I submit a referral?

If you’re unsure how to submit a SOS report, check out our How to Submit a SOS Report video for guidance.

Question Can I talk to someone before submitting a report?

Yes, if you have questions or concerns about submitting a report, please contact SOS at 909-448-4045 or sos@laverne.edu.

Question What if my department/office already has a structure to work with students of concern?

That’s great! Please continue using your existing structure. Additionally, we recommend submitting a SOS referral. There might be another department or office in contact with the student, and multiple referrals can help us connect and address concerns more effectively.

Question What should I expect once I submit a referral?

After you submit an SOS Referral, the SOS team will reach out to you within 1-2 business days to confirm receipt and gather any additional information. While respecting student privacy under FERPA guidelines, SOS may inform you if the student has been contacted. However, specific details or outcomes of meetings with students will not be shared to protect their privacy. If the student is aware you have submitted a report, you can check in with them later to see if they received the support they needed.