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CARE Referrals

College can be a stressful time for students. Emotional distress can not only impact a student’s mental and physical well-being, but can also interfere with academic performance.

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Here is a list of potential indicators a student may be in distress. A CARE referral can be made for any of the following: 

  • Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or loss
  • Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling, or aggressive comments; Overblown or disproportionate responses
  • More withdrawn or more animated than usual
  • Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness; crying or tearfulness
  • Expressions of sever anxiety or irritability
  • Excessively demanding or dependent behavior
  • Lack of response to outreach from staff
  • Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
  • Excessive fatigue, exhaustion
  • Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns
  • Frequent or chronic illness/hospitalization
  • Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion
  • Unusual inability to make eye contact
  • Coming to class bleary-eyed or smelling of alcohol
  • Shakiness, tremors, fidgeting, or pacing
  • Repeated absences or missed assignments related to personal concerns
  • Deterioration in quality or quantity of work
  • Essays or papers that focus on death, suicide, and/or despair
  • Continual seeking of special provisions 
  • Concerns about student voiced by his/her peers
  • A hunch or gut level feeling that something is wrong
  • Self-harm ideation/attempt
  • Signs of substance misuse or abuse
  • Extreme change in moor or behavior
  • Traumatic or distressing life event/ loss of a family member
  • Homelessness and/or lack of stable living situation
  • Unable to locate or get a hold of student
  • Financial crisis


Robin Kimberlin
Director, Student Advocacy & Care
218 Millennium Student Center
(314) 516-6369
kimberlinrm@umsl.edu 

Questions? 
care@umsl.edu