Student Counseling Services Director talks about recognizing threatening behavior

The latest outbreaks of violence at Omaha, Neb., Colorado Springs, Colo. and threat of violence at Northern Illinois University has left many educational institutions searching for ways to anticipate which students might be at risk for harming others and/or themselves.  Student Counseling Services Director Sandy Colbs said we need to “connect the dots.”

Colbs said schools and universities have focused tremendous attention on recognizing threatening behavior and trying to anticipate risk.  The intervention options are much clearer when the threatening student is already connected with mental health services, and when the threat is imminent.  Recent attention has focused on involving the entire community in a network of information to “connect the dots” before a clear picture of imminent threat emerges.  

To interview Colbs, telephone her at (309) 438-3655 or e-mail at slcolbs@ilstu.edu