Referrals

When to Refer

The CARE Team is available to provide support to distressed students and to address related behaviors and concerns.  Our goal is to assess, intervene and potentially to prevent escalation and to assist students in accessing the supports they need to be successful at WVU. 

Some examples of observed behaviors you should report

• Academic Concern (absenteeism or change in academic performance) 
  
• Adjustment or involvement concerns
• Academic Concerns (classroom disruption, disturbed writing)
• Basic needs assistance (food, housing, and/or financial security)
• Bullying/harassment/stalking (in person or via internet, phone, notes)
• Concern regarding alcohol and/or other drug use
• Disastrous or traumatic event
• Extreme and inappropriate emotional outbursts (unprovoked anger/aggression, hostility, etc.)
• Health and wellbeing concern (physical or emotional/mental health)
• Hospitalization (admission)
• Inappropriate interest in weapons
• Loss of a loved one, bereavement

• Request for emergency funds, housing or instructor notification

• Resource or policy navigation assistance  

• Self-harm (noticeable cuts, burns, or mutilation)
• Student death
• Suicidal thoughts, threats, or attempt
• Victim of a crime
• Violence or threats of violence (veiled or direct; verbal or written)
• Withdrawing and/or decreased interest in activities
• Worrisome changes in appearance, behavior, or hygiene

Referral Form

Anyone can report concerning, disruptive, alarming, or threatening behaviors to the CARE Team.  Referrals can be made through the Advocate System.  When completing the referral form, please include all pertinent information pertaining to the student’s behavior of concern,  including any documentation that may be relevant.  Providing complete and concise information will allow the CARE Team to offer the most effective and appropriate support.  A referral can be submitted at any time.  Once your report is received, a CARE Team member will review the information and may contact you for additional details.  

Team Process

CARE reports are reviewed during regular business hours when the University is open (typically Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm).  Members of the CARE Team will gather information, consider the needs of the student and those impacted, and determine appropriate response for the referred individual.  Common interventions include:

• Meeting with the student to discuss the reported concern
• Consultation with student and his/her/their family
• Referral to an on- or off-campus resource
• Follow up and monitoring student success
• Assistance and consultation with reporting individual or unit
• Referral to another campus or administrative process

Every referral submitted to the CARE Team will be reviewed and addressed; however, to ensure that students privacy is protected, individuals who submit a CARE report may not be provided with details regarding the support and or intervention that was provided.

For questions or inquiries, please contact us at CARETeam@mail.wvu.edu