What do I do if I know a student who may need to be referred to the CARE Team?
- If you feel there is an immediate threat, call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (717)245-1111.
- You can complete this form or contact the Dean of Students Office (717-245-1676) or the Wellness Center (717-245-1663) to make a referral. You will be asked for basic information about the student and a description of the incident or behaviors that prompted the referral.
- You are the CARE Team’s best resource because you know the student. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student you are concerned and ask if the student is OK. In many cases, students will indicate that they could use some help, and you can refer them to the Wellness Center.
Who can make a referral to the CARE Team?
Anyone who feels a student's well-being or success is at risk can make a referral, including students, parents, faculty and staff, and other community members.
What happens after I make the referral?
If the concern is urgent, the Student Life on Call administrator, in coordination with DPS and/or the Wellness Center, may seek out the student immediately to ensure everything is OK. Otherwise, the Director for Student Support will likely follow up with the student in less urgent situations and see how we can best support them. Each situation is different and requires a unique approach. Our process typically includes looping in the academic advisor, and we will always seek to close the loop with the reporting person when possible.
Will I be updated about the CARE Team's response after making a referral?
The CARE Team will make every effort to get back to you; however, we must maintain the student's privacy, and, in fact, some laws may keep up from sharing details about our follow-up with you. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact careteam@dickinson.edu or Lindsay Mintz, Director of Student Support.
What happens to the student under the CARE Team?
If the CARE Team determines a student is appropriate for monitoring, the student will be added to a list of students discussed at each CARE Team meeting. A course of action is outlined and then reviewed during the subsequent meeting. Usually, a Team member will be responsible for contacting the student to initiate an appropriate response.
Will students be disciplined?
The CARE Team protocol is aimed specifically at providing for community students' health. It does not address disciplinary issues or give sanctions.
How do I know if it is a CARE Team issue or if other campus resources more appropriately handle it?
You do not have to make this determination; the CARE Team will do it for you. The most critical step is that you report it. If another campus resource is more appropriate, the CARE Team will refer the student and handle the transfer of information.
What about confidentiality?
We can never promise confidentiality when life safety is an issue, but we will try to treat each case with discretion and privacy. School officials may be required to report situations involving threats to safety.
Adapted from Union College CARE Team FAQs