F.A.S.T. Referral

Faculty/Staff Assisting Students in Trouble

FAST is an online reporting tool to enable faculty and staff to report concerns about students who may be in financial, academic, or personal crisis.

Through FAST, specialized College staff may better provide help to students who may be facing issues that prevent them from succeeding at the College. FAST referrals do not violate student privacy rights.   

Please be aware that the FAST system is not an emergency hotline. For an on-campus emergency, please call Public Safety at 843.953.5611. 
 
FAST may be used to report a variety of concerns about students, including: 

  • Excessive absence (2 or more consecutive absences) 
  • General academic challenges 
  • Worrisome or disruptive classroom behavior 
  • A student who appears to be overwhelmed by a financial, family, or personal situation 
  • A student’s possible mental health, medical condition, or substance abuse 

Learn more about Fast Referrals in The Hub

 

Submit a FAST Referral

FAST Reporting FAQ

Faculty and staff may refer a student who may be struggling with academic, personal, or emotional difficulties or who may be exhibiting concerning behavior. Here are some common questions about making FAST Referrals.
  • Why should I use FAST?

    FAST can be used to report any academic or other concern you might have.  
    Academic concerns include: 

    • Excessive absences 
    • Poor test scores 
    • Failure to complete assignments 
    • Poor quality or concerning content in written work 
    • Other concerns include: 
    • Disruptive classroom behavior 
    • Reported emotional/mental health issues 
    • Observed emotional or irrational behavior 
    • Other undefined disruptive or concerning behavior 

  • Should I use FAST in an emergency?

    No! In an emergency, call Public Safety at 843.953.5611 or dial 911.

  • Should I talk to the student before submitting a FAST Referral?

    Whether or not you choose to talk with the student depends on your relationship with the student, your comfort level with addressing the issue, whether you wish to remain anonymous to the student, the nature of the concern, and other factors.

    If it seems appropriate and you feel comfortable, we recommend: 

    • Tell the student you are concerned and ask if they are okay. 
    • Listen to what they have to say...sometimes, an explanation from the student can clarify what you have observed and/or eliminate the need for a referral at that time. 
    • If you still believe a referral is warranted, let the student know that there are resources on campus that can assist students in need and that given your concern, you feel that you need to pass the student’s name along.
    Very often, the student will acknowledge that they could use some help and express appreciation for your concern.
  • I’m concerned but not sure I should submit a FAST Referral. What should I do?

    When in doubt, you are encouraged to submit a FAST Referral.

    Often times, if you have concerns about a student, others may have concerns, too; the information you have to share may be an important piece of the overall picture. 

  • Can FAST reports be made anonymously?

    You may submit the FAST Referral anonymously if you prefer to do so.  

    The FAST Form allows you to enter your information AND request to remain anonymous to the student. This approach is helpful in the event we need to request additional information from the reporter. 

  • What happens once a student problem is reported?

    FAST reports are made by individuals with the intent to help a student and are only shared, if necessary, with individuals who need to know the information.

    FAST reports are considered confidential documents. Furthermore, FERPA does not apply to non-recorded information heard, seen, witnessed, observed, or experienced by faculty or staff; concerns that are raised by what faculty/staff observe can be shared freely without concern about violating FERPA.

  • Who can I contact with additional questions about FAST reporting?

    Jess Zuber  
    Director of Academic Success and Retention
    843.953.5674  
    zuberj@cofc.edu