OVERVIEW AND PURPOSE
UNK’s CARE Team is a multi-disciplinary body of professional stakeholders from across the campus which receives referrals pertaining to students of concern, collects additional information, and identifies and enacts appropriate strategies for addressing the concerning situation.
Purpose
The purpose of the team is to provide a confidential means for early intervention of at-risk students through collaboration with campus departments, faculty, and staff.Students exhibiting behaviors that are of concern in relation to their personal, physical, and emotional well-being should be referred to this team of professionals.
The CARE Team is not meant to be the sole mechanism of communication and will not take the place of services provided by Counseling & Health Care, Student Conduct Office, University Police, or other established student services.
Team's Responsibility to the Campus
To provide a centralized structure for campus departments and offices that need help dealing with a student who is displaying concerning, disruptive, or distressed behaviors.
- To develop a strategic plan of action to ensure the safety of the student and the campus at large.
- The team would ensure that information is shared among strategic partners concerned about student welfare.
The team would also include responsibility for periodically reviewing and recommending changes in campus protocols that address assisting students in distress.
Offices that are Represented on the CARE Team
- Counseling & Health Care
- Dr. LeAnn Obrecht, Chair 865-8248 (24 Hour Line)
- Office of the Dean, Division of Student Affairs
- Dr. Joseph Oravecz 865-8528
- Academic Success Office - Disability Services
- Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs
- Dr. Kenya Taylor 865-8843
- University Relations
- Police & Parking Services
- Michelle Hamaker 865-8517
- Athletics
- Residence Life
- Dr. Tony Earls 865-8519
- Gail Sims-Aubert
- International Education
- Risk Manager
- Academic & Career Services
- Human Resources
- Cheryl Bressington 865-8374
- Deb Huryta
The Team also regularly consults with other offices such as:
- Respective College Office
- Greek Life
- Campus Ministry Representative
- Other as pertinent
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WHEN & HOW TO REFER A STUDENT
Recognizing Warning Signs
Faculty and staff are often in a position to recognize students who are at risk. Identifying the signs of at-risk behaviors and responding in a timely manner may be a significant part of linking the student with the appropriate campus resource(s).
- Unusual or erratic behavior in class, in the residence halls, during advising sessions, etc.
- Extended absence from class or activities by a typically engaged student
- Written work or creative expression with troubling themes or references
- Written or verbal expressions of suicidal ideation
When to Refer a Student
- Marked changes in academic performance
- Noticeable decline in personal appearance/change in hygiene
- Repeatedly engaging in disruptive behaviors in class
- Excessive or inappropriate anger
How to Refer a Student
There are several options for referring a student name to the CARE Team.
EMERGENCIES--The CARE Team is NOT for emergencies
- If there is an immediate threat to a student (either through self-harm or interpersonal violence) or the community, CALL 911.
- If you believe a student is in need of immediate psychological/emotional help, you may call the Counseling Care 24-hour line at 865-8248.
For behaviors that are of concern, either because they are out of character or persistent even after being addressed, a referral to the CARE Team may be the next step.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What about FERPA protection?
A. FERPA pertains to the privacy of educational records, but it does not prohibit the reporting of observable behavior.
If you are concerned about a personal interaction you have had with a student or an observation you have made pertaining to behavior, you are encouraged to report and/or consult with appropriate colleagues, especially as it relates to the educational mission of the University.
The members of the CARE Team, as administrative agents in an educational institution, adhere to the laws and standards governing the disclosure of information to third parties both within and external to the University. Such information is only disclosed on an administrative need to know basis and only according to the relevant laws/policies that govern such disclosure.
Q. What if my department/office already has a structure to deal with students of concern?
A. Great! You should continue to use that structure to proactively best support the student. In addition, we recommend you to still report/refer the student to the CARE Team. There is often another department or office that the student is in contact with and who may be having similar concerns that we are able to connect through multiple referrals.
Q. Will I be contacted and updated about the student I refer?
A. Yes. You will be contacted to give the committee details about the concerning behavior. You may be updated with information as it pertains to the student's interactions with you or your department. However, you will not be informed of details of conversations with the student or possible disciplinary action that may occur depending on the situation.
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