The case of Arizona shooting suspect Jared Loughner, suspended from his community college last fall after bizarre behavior, provides another reminder of the challenges colleges face dealing with troubled students.
Schools say they are trying to create safe environments without overreacting. They deal with limited resources, complicated laws and more students in need of mental health help.
Many colleges and universities have started or strengthened threat assessment teams of administrators, but the issues they face are not always clear cut.
For example, schools must weigh factors such as free speech, odd versus potentially dangerous behavior, and whether a suspension, expulsion or forced mental health treatment is warranted.
