Privacy, Tips and Resources

Gold Folder: Tips, Privacy, and Resources

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What about Privacy?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and other student privacy regulations generally allow university faculty and staff to share observations about the behavior of students, statements made by students, and concerns about students with UC personnel, parents, law enforcement, and anyone else whose knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

Appropriate consideration for student privacy should be given before information is shared with people other than those suggested in this document, and questions about when such disclosure is appropriate can be answered by the campus Office of Legal Affairs.

* Confidential Resources

Resources marked with an asterisk are confidential. The university offers a number of confidential resources for individuals who are unsure whether to report prohibited conduct and/or who are seeking counseling or other emotional support in addition to or without making a report. Confidential resources are great first points of contact to help in making informed decisions and retaining your autonomy in the next steps.

Campus Resources

Counseling and Psychological Services*

  • (510) 642-9494
  • CAPS supports the emotional, psychological, educational, social, and cultural development of all UC Berkeley students through a wide range of multiculturally based counseling, psychiatric, career, consultation, training, and educational services.

After-Hours Assistance Line*

  • (855) 817-5667
  • Call for consultation with a counselor and provide as a crisis resource to students outside of CAPS business hours.

Center for Support and Intervention

  • (510) 664-4218
  • Consult regarding concerns about students experiencing and/or causing distress and for cross-departmental information sharing.

PATH to Care Center*

  • (510) 642-1988
  • 24/7 Care Line: (510) 643-2005
  • Call for affirming, empowering, and confidential support for those that have experienced gendered violence, including sexual harassment, dating and intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual exploitation.

Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination

  • (510) 643-7985
  • OPHD takes reports alleging discrimination and harassment on the basis of categories including race, color, national origin, gender, age, and sexual orientation/identity, which includes allegations of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

UC Police Department Emergency

  • 911
  • (510) 642-3333
  • Call when concerned about students who may pose an immediate danger to self or others.

Employee Assistance Program*

  • (510) 643-7754
  • Call when concerned about a colleague and for referrals to counseling.

Manager, Employee Relations, Human Resources

  • (510) 642-7163
  • Call for assessment of threatening or potentially violent faculty/staff behavior.

UC Police Department (Non-Emergency)

  • (510) 642-6760
  • Call for assessment of threatening or potentially violent faculty/staff behavior.

Community Resources

Berkeley Police Department (Non-Emergency)

  • (510) 981-5900
  • Call for off-campus concerns about safety and well-being.

Alameda County 24 Hour Crisis Hotline

  • (800) 981-5900
  • Call for immediate, confidential crisis support and intervention.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • (800) 273-TALK
  • Call for immediate, confidential crisis support and intervention.

Alta Bates Summit Medical Center

  • (510) 204-4444
  • The closest hospital/ER to campus, located just east of Telegraph Ave at 2504 Ashby Ave.

Tips

Safety First

The welfare of the campus community is our top priority. When a student displays threatening or potentially violent behavior, do not hesitate to call for help.

Listen Sensitively & Carefully

Use a non-confrontational approach and a calm voice. Avoid threatening, humiliating, and intimidating responses.

Be Proactive

Engage students early on, setting expectations for appropriate behavior.

Be Direct

Ask students directly if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, feeling confused, or having thoughts of harming themselves or others.

Follow Through

Ensure that the student gets connected to support, and follow up to express ongoing care.

Consultation & Documentation

Always document your interactions with students experiencing distress and consult with your department chair or supervisor after any incident.