EASE Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I send a notification?
- What are appropriate concerns or issues to submit to EASE?
- A student has several problems, but I am only able to select one concern type in the form, what should I do?
- What should I write in the notification form?
- Will the student know I submitted a notification?
- Can students read what I write about them?
- What is an intervention?
- The form asks for an intervention, am I required to have intervened?
- What happens when I submit a notification?
- Does EASE always fix the problem?
- Who do I contact if I didn't find the answer to my question here?
How do I send a notification?
What are appropriate concerns or issues to submit to EASE?
First and foremost, EASE is for non-urgent concerns. For matters you believe are an immediate threat to an individual or the College Community, call 911, then contact Campus Safety and security at 312-369-1111, or X1111. Urgent concerns should be directed to Student Relations at 312-369-8595, or X8595. After 7:00 P.M., call Campus Safety and Security at 312-369-1111, or X1111.
Listed bellow are the “concern types” with examples. The examples are meant to help you understand various issues that may warrant an EASE Notification; however concerns are not limited to these scenarios.
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Academic Performance Concerns
- struggling with class content
- not doing homework
- exhibiting poor performance on tests, quizzes or assignments
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Attendance
- suddenly stops attending (with or without notice)
- long-term sporadic attendance and/or tardiness
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Career/Employment
- expresses concern about their major choice
- seems overwhelmed or confused about finding jobs
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Personal/Emotional Dificulty
- is visibly upset in class
- expresses difficulty adjusting to college
- discloses emotional difficulties
- expresses concern about family situations that interferes with academic progress
- is dealing with illness of self or loved one
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Financial Issues
- expresses concern about paying for college expenses
- loss of job (that of self or a parent)
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Residence Life Issues
- expresses concern about living situation
- expresses concern about roommate troubles
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Other
- anything you feel does not fall into the above categories
A student has several problems, but I am only able to select one concern type in the form, what should I do?
Select the concern type you feel is most pressing. In the details box include a narrative about additional concerns.
What should I write in the notification form?
- Just the Facts Be objective and include relevant information.
- Quality, not Quantity Be brief.
- Avoid Subjective Notes Stick to the facts. Avoid subjective observations. Do not diagnose. For example: Inappropriate "The student is really nice, but I think she has ADHD." Appropriate "The student has been late five times and is disruptive when entering the class."
Will the student know I submitted a notification?
If you select “please do not contact the student” we will not contact the student unless we deem there is imminent danger based on other information about the student. When we do reach out to students we let him/her know you referred them so we can discuss the concern as openly as possible. It is very helpful for you to let students know you are seeking support for them.
Can students read what I write about them?
Yes, students can formally request to see any of their educational records. For more information read Columbia’s FERPA policy.
What is an intervention?
Anything you do on behalf of the student is an intervention, from a simple conversation to creating a plan to address the issue. Students are much more open to support when they know you are concerned and have a heads-up that we may be doing outreach.
The form asks for an intervention, am I required to have intervened?
It is helpful for us to know what you have already done so we can pick up where you left off. However, we know this isn’t always possible so please indicate when that is the case.
What happens when I submit a notification?
The EASE Coordinator (a trained student services professional) receives and reviews the notification and assigns follow-up to the appropriate support resources. In most cases, support resources reach out to the student, unless you have specifically requested that we not reach out. When a student is reached we listen to the student to find out what the appropriate resources are that they might be able to use and then get them connected to those resources. Once we have connected a student with the appropriate resource or if we are unable to reach the student, we follow up with you as quickly as possible with what information we can share.
Does EASE always fix the problem?
EASE is composed of dozens of student support professionals who do their best to help students. However, some students are not receptive to help and others have issues we cannot solve. We do our best to support the student in every case.
Who do I contact if I didn't find the answer to my question here?
Contact Amanda Johnson, EASE Program Coordinator at ajohnson@colum.edu.
