Reporting 101

While there is no doubt that your student will be successful beyond measure during their time at FSU, there may come a time where they and/or you experience something that makes them uncomfortable or is cause for concern.  Should that happen, the Department of Student Support and Transition (DSST) is a great place to start via report.fsu.edu, Florida State University’s reporting website.  Please note that this website is not a place for reporting someone who is in immediate danger – should that be the case, please call 911 or the Florida State University Police Department at (850) 644-1234. 

When you log on to report.fsu.edu, you are provided with a variety of options regarding the type of report you want to submit.  You can hover over each option to receive a more in-depth description of the types of information typically submitted in that type of report.  If you don’t see a “perfect fit” between a reporting option and your information, simply select the best option.  Staff are in frequent communication with one another at FSU and will make sure that your report makes its way to those staff members best equipped to review and respond to the information.

When submitting a report via report.fsu.edu, you have the option to submit a report anonymously.  Please be aware, however, that staff may find it difficult to follow up on or address reports if they do not have the ability to contact the reporting party for more information or with questions.  Whether you choose to submit your concerning information anonymously, you may find the following tips useful when submitting your report:

• Try to provide information that pertains to the “who, what, when, and where” of the situation.  This strategy provides measurable information to the staff who are viewing your report, and in many cases, helps determine appropriate next steps based on the information that you have provided.  The more specific, the better!
• Screenshots and photos can be invaluable tools.  With information being shared at lightning speed over social media, simply taking and uploading a screenshot that is relevant to your report can be an excellent way of documenting what you have seen.
• Timeliness is key.  Submitting a report shortly after you learn the information ensures that you remember what you’ve seen or heard and can help staff members take immediate action to protect students, if necessary.
• Understand that staff may not be able to share information pertaining to the status of your report.  Certain student information is protected by federal law (FERPA) and limits the ability of staff members to provide it outside of very specific circumstances.  Rest assured, though, that we review all reports in a timely manner.

As a family member, you may also have concerns about how the information you provide may impact your student.  The University has strict policies that protect students that participate in an investigation or student conduct process from retaliation.  You can find more information here:  https://sccs.fsu.edu/conduct-codes

In conclusion, report.fsu.edu was created to provide students, their families, and community members at large with the convenient option to provide concerning information to the University.  We take each report seriously and pledge to use our knowledge and experience to address each situation as best we possibly can.  Of course, if you believe that anyone’s safety is in immediate danger, please call 911 or the Florida State University Police Department at (850) 644-1234. 

You are welcome to contact DSST at any time with further questions or concerns at dsst@fsu.edu.