Crisis Response

The Dean On-Call serves as the university administrative contact for urgent issues and emergencies involving students 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. Between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the Dean of Students Office (919-668-3853) may provide assistance. After business hours and during weekends or holidays, a Dean On-Call may be reached through Duke Police (919-684-2444) or you may call the Dean On-Call pager number (919-970-4169).  A Residence Coordinator (RC), a professional staff member who oversees a residential area on campus, is on-call for urgent concerns involving students who live on campus and may also be reached through Duke Police.

Q. What constitutes an "emergency"?

An emergency is generally considered to be a situation that requires an immediate response. It is normally an unexpected occurrence. For our students, this could involved something directly related to their lives on campus as well as circumstances involving their parents or family members. A missing student is not considered an emergency unless 24 hours have elapsed since the last known contact by the student, unless there is additional information available to indicate a more immediate concern.

Q. Can the Dean/RC On-Call authorize a dean's excuse for missed assignments/tests?

In the fall of 2003 the faculty councils approved a new procedure for notifying instructors of missed assignments/tests due to an incapacitating short-term illness. View additional information.

Q. What other services does the RC/Dean On-Call provide?

Although the RC/Dean On-Call is generally reserved for emergency issues, there may be times when a student, parent, or relative may wish to consult with a university official after normal business hours. We are available for such consultation, with the understanding that it may be difficult for us to take necessary action until the next business day.