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Students of Concern
College can be a very challenging time. For some students, it can be extremely overwhelming to handle the pressures of both academic and personal life. At Fairfield University, we recognize some students will need help as they cope with the demands of college life. The Office of the Dean of Students is an available resource for faculty, students, and parents when dealing with students of concern. Please contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (203) 254-4211 if you are concerned about a student so appropriate referrals can be made.
Case Management Committee
The Case Management Committee is a group comprised of representatives from the each of the schools and the College, as well as representatives from Students Life. The Committee serves as a proactive mechanism to identify and address students of concern. The Case Management Committee meets every other week to review behavioral concerns of a non-emergency nature that are raised to the Committee's attention by members of the University community. The Committee considers coordinated and appropriate responses in a confidential setting. Examples of student issues that would come to this group:
- inappropriate or disturbing comments,
- worrisome writings,
- excessive class absences,
- health issues (e.g., weight loss, headaches, sleep problems, etc.),
- death of a family member or close friend,
- suspected or known substance abuse,
- changes in behavior; aggression or outburst.
Please report your observations and concerns as soon as possible by submitting a Student of Concern Report.
The Committee is chaired by the Dean of Students. The Case Management Committee does not address emergencies or instances where an immediate threat is posed. In cases of emergencies or immediate threat, please notify Public Safety at (203) 254-4090 or call 911. The Case Management Committee is one of many University efforts aimed at supporting a safe and responsive environment for students to thrive personally and academically. If you have any questions, please contact Will Johnson at (203) 254-4211.
| First Name | Last Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | Assistant Vice President and Director, Counseling & Psychological Service | TBD |
| Colby | Lemieux | Assistant Dean, College of Arts and Sciences | clemieux@fairfield.edu |
| Megan | Buxton | Director, Accessibility | mbuxton@fairfield.edu |
| William | Johnson | Chair & Dean of Students | wjohnson@fairfield.edu |
| Kristin | Zimmerman | Director, Academic Support and Retention | kzimmerman@fairfield.edu |
| Andrea | Martinez | Senior Assistant Dean, College of Arts & Science | andrea.martinez@fairfield.edu |
| Frank | Ficko | Interim Director, Public Safety | fficko@fairfield.edu |
| Kathy | Saracino | Assistant Dean, Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies | ksaracino@fairfield.edu |
| Meredith | Smith | Associate Dean of Students and Director, Residence Life | msmith13@fairfield.edu |
| Julia | Duffy | Director, Student Health Center | jduffy@fairfield.edu |
| Jessica | Guarneri | Assistant Dean, School of Engineering | jguarneri@fairfield.edu |
| Taylor | Leonard | Associate Director of Athletics | tleonard@fairfield.edu |
| Allison | Berger | Associate Dean of Students | aberger@fairfield.edu |
| Erica | Spencer | Assistant Dean, Dolan School of Business | espencer@fairfield.edu |
| Clinesha | Johnson | Associate Director, Dean of Students | cjohnson1@fairfield.edu |
In accordance with federal law, Fairfield University formed the Community Threat Assessment Team on January 1, 2014. The Team is comprised of representatives from Counseling & Psychological Services, Human Resources, Student Life, Academics Affairs, and Public Safety. The Community Threat Assessment Team is in place specifically to help preserve the safety and security of the University community in collaboration with other University services. The team serves as a proactive mechanism to identify and address members of the community that may pose a danger to self, others and/or both. The team considers situations that involve students, staff members and visitors to the campus community. The team meets on an as-needed basis and is chaired by Associate Director of Public Safety Frank Ficko.
The Community Threat Assessment Team seeks to identify concerns in their early phases in order to work appropriately and constructively with all parties before problems escalate into violent or dangerous outcomes. We encourage everyone in the University community to seek help for others when there are safety concerns. To report a concern, please contact the Department of Public Safety at (203) 254-4090.
Homesickness
Some students, especially during their first year of college, may experience homesickness. This is a normal occurrence and Fairfield University has many resources to help students cope with this feeling. Resident assistants, new student leaders, faculty members, Residence Life area coordinators and the Office of the Dean of Students are all available to help students through this difficult time. If students are feeling anxious or depressed, we recommend they make an appointment with Counseling and Psychological services
- The Office of Residence Life: (203) 254-4215
- The Office of Student Engagement: (203) 254-4053
- Counseling & Psychological Services is a free, confidential service for full-time undergraduate students. Counseling & Psychological Services provides individual and group psychotherapy by professional psychotherapists to help students navigate adjustment issues, relationship problems, family issues, and emotional distress.
Parents/Guardians should encourage their homesick student to get involved with campus programs and organizations. Calling the Office of the Dean of Students at (203) 254-4211 is also a good place to begin the process of helping your student overcome the feeling of homesickness.
Survivors of Sexual Assault
It is estimated that one in every five women will be experience some form of sexual violence in their lifetime. There are many resources available for survivors of sexual assault. If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, please call (203) 254-4357 for guidance or to file a report. A brochure is also available listing many resources available. Please visit our survivor website for additional resources.
Emergencies
If you need help in dealing with a situation or you believe there may be imminent danger of harm to a student or someone else, please call Public Safety at (203) 254-4090 immediately.