SOS Behavior and Wellness Referral

Question What is a SOS Referral?

The SOS Referral is a public form that allows faculty, staff, students, and community members the ability to share a concern regarding a student’s well-being with Student Outreach and Support.

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

Having a system in place to address student wellness concerns is a best practice across colleges and universities nationwide. Having the SOS Referral is not only essential to identifying students who are struggling with their well-being, but also ensuring they are connected with a supportive staff member who can provide appropriate resources.

Question When should I submit a referral?

Students experience distress for a multitude of reasons. Is someone 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. There are many resources available at La Verne to help. Your report to SOS can make a difference.

Question What if I want to remain anonymous?

Although it is helpful to know who is submitting a SOS referral, SOS understands there will be times when the report does not feel comfortable with their identity being known. If that is the case, please know a SOS report may be submitted anonymously.

Question Can a family member submit a referral?

Yes, family members are welcome to submit a SOS referral whenever they are concerned about their student. They can request that SOS reach out to their student to provide support. Please note SOS cannot share any of the students information without the students written permission. SOS is happy to share 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. The following information is helpful:

Student, faculty or staff member’s name and ID number (if known)
Brief factual description of the incident and/or behavior
Direct quotes whenever possible
Where and when the incident and/or behavior occurred
Names and contact information of witnesses
Your name, position, and complete contact information
Include all emails, voice recordings, text messages and/or other information you have

Question How do I submit a referral?

If you have questions regarding how to submit a SOS report, please reference this How to Submit a SOS Report video .

Question Can I talk to someone before submitting a report?

Yes, if you have questions or concerns about submitting a report, please contact the 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?

Great! Continue using that structure. In addition, we recommend you still submit a SOS referral. There is often another department/office that the student is in contact with and who may be having similar concerns that we are able to connect through multiple referrals.

Question What should I expect once I submit a referral?

Once a SOS Report is submitted, the SOS case manager will respond to the reporter within 24 hours to confirm the report was submitted and gather any additional information. Within FERPA guidelines, the SOS case manager may update the reporter informing them if the student has been contacted; however, all other information/outcome of meetings with students will not be shared with reporters to respect the student’s privacy. If the student is aware you have submitted a report on their behalf, you may follow up with the students inquiring if they received support they needed.