Recognize

Individuals exhibiting signs of distress often interact with various members of our campus community. Being attentive to behavioral changes — such as frequent absences, missed deadlines, or noticeable declines in personal hygiene — can be crucial indicators of underlying challenges. Recognizing these signs and sharing concerns with our care and support teams enables timely interventions, fostering a supportive environment where they can access the resources they need.

Superimposed composition of student with books and campus imagery

Concerning Behavior Matrix

The Concerning Behavior Matrix is a structured tool designed to assist the Texas A&M community in recognizing and categorizing behaviors that may indicate an individual is in distress or poses a potential threat. This matrix serves as a guide for faculty, staff, and students to identify concerning behaviors early and respond appropriately, ensuring timely support and intervention.

Classroom/Workplace Signals

Disruptive	Distress	Threatening
Constant interruptions Talking on the phone during class or meetings. Excessive noise Unproductive arguing or debate Untimely laughing, crying, or talking Use of profanity or pejorative language Harassment Failure to respect others’ rights to express their viewpoints	Missed classes, meetings, and assignments Sudden performance decline Disturbing content in writing assignments, projects, or discussions Lack of response to communications or requests Overt inattentiveness (e.g., sleeping or using a laptop for non-work-related activities)	Safety concerns from others Aggressive behavior towards others Intentional damage or abuse Sharing inappropriate content online Serious threats of violence True threat statements (e.g., “I am buying a gun and shooting all my enemies.”)

Psychological Signals

Disruptive	Distress	Threatening
Failure to cooperate or follow rules Rapid, confusing, or grandiose speech Impulsive talking without consideration Prolonged nonverbal behaviors (e.g., glaring or staring) Refusal to speak or respond to questions Entitled or disrespectful communication with peers	Mood changes Disclosing distressing life situations Concerns raised by others Irritability or frustration Blaming others for mistakes Social isolation Frequent lateness or early departure Lack of participation or drowsiness affecting teaching or the workplace	Statements about suicide Disturbing comments in person, via email, or telephone Conversations with direct or implied threats about safety Objectifying language that depersonalizes others Conversations designed to upset others, including descriptions of weapons, killing or death

Physical Signals

Disruptive	Distress	Threatening
Aggressiveness Bizarre or strange behavior Signs of intoxication or substance use Bullying Becoming belligerent when confronted Offensive comments (racist, demeaning, lewd)	Sudden change in physical appearance or personal hygiene Disproportionate or unusual responses to events or discussions Excessive fearfulness, panic or anxiety Comments about inability to sleep or eat Signs of injury (cuts or bruising)	Self-injurious behavior Unexplained aggressive behavior or disruptive outbursts Verbal or written statements to whether direct or implied about suicide, homicide, sexual assault, self-harm or domestic violence Unprovoked anger, hostility, threats toward others or self Stalking or harassing behavior

Early Intervention

Early intervention with concerning behavior can lead to individuals receiving much needed help and assistance. Distressed individuals need a safe place to express themselves and their distress may be preventing them from understanding resources available. Responding and Referring builds a bridge between the person in need of support and those who can help. For more information about escalating behavior review the Behavioral Approach to Violence Prevention.

Targeted Violence

One of the care and support resource teams known as the Special Situations Team specifically assesses threat and targeted violence. Targeted violence is goal-driven, rooted in grievances, and preceded by concerning behaviors like threats, planning, or aggression. Often observed by others, these signs may indicate stressors such as mental health struggles, financial strain, or conflicts. Recognizing and reporting such behaviors enables timely interventions, helping prevent violence and addressing underlying issues.

Know the Process

Recognize Respond Refer Report

Notice

Recognize

Concerning Behavior Matrix

Disruptive

Distress

Threatening

Disruptive

Distress

Threatening

Disruptive

Distress

Threatening

Early Intervention

Targeted Violence

Know the Process