Student Assistance

The Coordinator of Student Conduct, serves as a central support resource for all students. We help students and their families manage crises, life traumas, and other barriers that impede success. The staff works to address the needs of students who struggle in such areas as psychological health, physical health, victimization, relationship issues, social adjustment, and academics through a variety of interventions, referrals, and follow up services. We strive for a culture of caring on campus.

Behavior Intervention Team – CARE Team

Texas Southern University’s CARE Team is a multi-disciplinary body of stakeholders from across the University which receives referrals pertaining to students of concern, and then identifies and enacts appropriate strategies for addressing the situation.

What We Do?

CARE Team will first collect available information pertaining to the student and the situation from multiple sources in order to determine the most appropriate course of action. The CARE Team’s role is to determine effective strategies for addressing the concern and identifying the responsible parties for enacting those strategies.

What Can be Reported to the CARE Team?

The CARE Team collects information on observable behavior such as:

  • Unusual or erratic behavior in class, in the residence halls, during advising sessions, etc.
  • Extended absence from class or activities by a typically engaged student
  • Written work or creative expression with troubling themes or references
  • Verbal or written threats made by a student toward another student, faculty, or staff
  • Written or verbal expressions of suicidal ideation or intent
  • Other actions which cause an alarm or call into question the safety of the student or their peers.
  • Basic needs insecurity (food & housing).

Making a Referral

If you have a referral, please contact the CARE Team:

Emergency Notifications

Requesting an Emergency Notification

Contact the Coordinator of Student Conduct Office at (713) 313-6817. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of the emergency circumstances, as well as a reasonable explanation as to why the student is unable to contact their instructors directly. If possible, please include the length of time the student is expected to be absent from class.

When the Student Returns to the University

  • The staff will contact the student to offer support and assistance as the student resumes their academic responsibilities. Knowing each student's situation helps us provide help and to be better prepared when the student is able to return to class.
  • Instructors may also contact the student directly to discuss the student's responsibility for completing missed course work, as well as any documentation required when the student returns.

What is an Emergency Notification?

An email notification from Student Assistance to a student's instructor(s). A copy of this message is also sent to the student. An announcement that an emergency prevents a student from contacting their instructor directly and may also prevent the student from fulfilling academic responsibilities. A source of information so faculty can anticipate a student's absence and (sometimes) know when to expect the student to return to class. Do you need an emergency notification to be sent to your professor/member of the TSU community? Please fill out our Online Notification Form.

An Emergency Notification is NOT?

Appropriate for non-emergency situations such as car problems, minor illnesses, or a past absence. A request or mandate to excuse an absence; this decision belongs to the instructor. A requirement for students. If a student contacts instructors about an emergency directly, it is not necessary to involve the Dean of Students Office. Instructors are always welcome to share any concern about a student with the Dean of Students staff.

Concerned about a Student?

Please notify the Coordinator of Student Conduct Office if you know of a student having difficulties who may benefit from assistance by calling (713) 313-6817 to speak with our staff about your concerns. Please provide as much information as possible. We will consider all information provided and contact the student directly.

If the student is disruptive and uncooperative, appears volatile or dangerous, or is demonstrating immediate harm to self or others call TSUPD at 911 for immediate assistance or (713) 313-7001.

Please recognize that due to our responsibility for student privacy obligations under FERPA, we will use discretion to appropriately address your concerns; we may not always be able to provide you with follow-up information.

Student Death

The Dean of Students Office is responsible for closing the records of deceased students. A member of the Dean of Students Office staff acts as a liaison between the student's next of kin and the University, and with University departments to ensure proper closure of records and disposition of property. Disclosure of information to the general public is subject to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974; release of information by law enforcement officials; or other emergency personnel working with the Dean of Students Office. View Fallen Tigers.

Wellness Checks

Occasionally a parent, friend, colleague or instructor who is concerned about a student's well-being asks the Coordinator of Student Conduct Office to look into the welfare of a TSU student.

If you have reason to be concerned about an emergency health or safety concern related to a student, please call the appropriate police department:

TSU Police Department (on-campus students):
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: (713) 313-7001

Houston Police Department:
Emergency: 911
Non-emergency: (713) 8843131

Student Assistance can attempt to contact the student via their University email address, and/or contact the student by phone if the student has a number on file with the University. The Coordinator of Student Office will use its discretion to determine appropriate outreach to the student. Please recognize our responsibility for student privacy and understand we will use our discretion to appropriately contact the student. If you have questions please contact us and we will determine the best course of action given the circumstance

Emergency Funds

Students may experience a variety of challenges during their college career. The Office of Judiciary Affairs is a central location that coordinates efforts with campus partners to assist students who encounter challenges or concerns in achieving success at TSU.

How Our Office Can Help

Please reach out if you or someone you know has been impacted any of the following:

  • Hospitalization
  • Medical emergencies or long-term illness
  • Mental health concerns
  • Chronic conditions
  • Death of an immediate family member
  • Food insecurity
  • Housing insecurity
  • Natural disasters
  • Academic distress
  • Unexpected events or challenges

We also have limited emergency funding or resource referrals available that may be able to assist students experiencing the aforementioned challenges.