Case Management Committee and Community Threat Assessment Team

As we begin the semester, we want to inform you about two important and distinct resources in place at Fairfield University—the Case Management Committee and the Community Threat Assessment Team.

The Case Management Committee meets every week to review behavioral concerns of a non-emergency nature that are referred to the Committee by members of the University community. The Committee considers coordinated and appropriate responses to address student behavior. Examples of student behaviors that should be referred to this group include, but are not limited to:

•  inappropriate or disturbing comments made in class
• worrisome writings 
• 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

The Committee is comprised of representatives from across the University community, with those individuals primarily working in Academic Affairs and Student Life. The Committee is chaired by the Dean of Students Will Johnson, PhD and coordinated by Assistant Dean of Student Clinesha Johnson, PsyD. To report a concern about a student to the Case Management Committee, please submit a Student of Concern report or contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 203-254-4211.

The Case Management Committee does not address emergencies or instances where an immediate threat which require a timely response (e.g., endorsements of self-harm or harm to others). In cases of emergencies or immediate threat, please notify Public Safety at 203-254-4090. 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 the Office of the Dean of Students.

Community Threat Assessment Team

The Community Threat Assessment Team is comprised of representatives from Counseling & Psychological Services, Human Resources, Student Life, Academic Affairs and the Department of Public Safety. It is in place specifically to help preserve the safety and security of the University community in collaboration with other University services. It serves as a proactive mechanism to identify and address members of the community, including students, employees and contractors, who may pose a danger to self, others, or both. The Team meets on an as-needed basis and is chaired by the Associate Vice President of Public Safety, John DeAngelis.

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.