Am I even allowed to share concerns? What about FERPA?
What if the student told me something in confidentiality?
What if I already notified the UMSL Police Department about the incident?
What if I already notified Counseling Services about the concerns I had for a student?
Why do I have to use the online referral form? Can I just call or email my concerns to someone?
What types of concerns should be referred through the CARE process?
What happens after a CARE referral is made?
What happens during CARE meetings?
What happens after the initial CARE meeting?
If I made a referral, will I know what happens with the student?
I received an email from a case manager. Do I really have to come to a meeting?
Am I even allowed to share concerns? What about FERPA?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act allows you to share information with school officials with a legitimate educational interest. FERPA also allows you to share information with appropriate school officials in cases of health and safety emergencies.
What if the student told me something in confidentiality?
We would encourage you to let the student know you will be sharing some information with the university’s case managers. Ensure the student that you will only be telling people who can help their situation, and you are only sharing the information out of concern. Remember, this is an assistive process, not a punitive one. The student is not getting in trouble.
It’s also important to remember that the case management process works by breaking down silos that exist on college campuses. If you promise not to disclose information that concerns you, and three other people promise the same thing regarding the same concerns, it severely limits the goal of early intervention. The earlier we can intervene in problematic situations, the more likely it is the student will be successful. If you see something, say something.
What if I don’t want the student to know I referred any concerns through the CARE process? Can I anonymously share information?
While we do our best to keep CARE referrals confidential, at times, it is necessary to identify the referring party. Please note in your referral if you do not want your name shared with the student. Case managers will do our best to keep your anonymity.
Often times, case managers will reach out to the referring party for further information or follow up questions regarding the initial information. If you submit a referral anonymously, it limits the case manager’s access to information.
The majority of students that go through the case management process understand that the referral was made out of legitimate concern. Students most often appreciate that the referring party cared about them, and are thankful for the support.
What if I already notified the UMSL Police Department about the incident?
The CARE process is not meant for emergencies. If there is eminent danger or you feel threatened, always contact the police at (314) 516-5155.
We would encourage you to make a CARE referral after contacting the police to make sure the case managers are following up with the student.
What if I already notified Counseling Services about the concerns I had for a student?
Counseling Services is staffed by licensed clinicians who follow strict confidentiality guidelines. They can consult with you regarding a student’s behavior to help you determine if it is concerning, and what the next appropriate steps are. After consultation with Counseling Services, we would recommend you make a CARE referral as well. Due to confidentiality restraints, counselors cannot make CARE referrals based on the information you consulted with them about.
I knew the appropriate resources and shared them with the student already, should I still make a CARE referral?
YES. The process works by centralizing information regarding students who exhibit concerns or distress. This allows case management to work through a holistic approach with as much information as possible. If you do not disclose your concerns, and three other people across campus do not disclose their concerns, it severely limits the goal of early intervention. The earlier we can intervene in problematic situations, the more likely it is the student will be successful. If you see something, say something. Even if you feel the incident has been appropriately addressed, the case managers may have referrals of other concerns regarding the same student that may impact the way the situation is handled.
Why do I have to use the online referral form? Can I just call or email my concerns to someone?
The online referral form ensures case managers get the information they need to do an initial assessment, in a quick and accurate manner. The questions in the form are very intentional and help case managers gather the most pertinent information from the referring party.
The online form also ensures case managers are keeping detailed records of referrals, and providing appropriate follow up so no student slips through the cracks.
What types of concerns should be referred through the CARE process?
If you notice a student who appears to be in distress, we would encourage you to submit a CARE referral. Behaviors or concerns that should be referred may include (but are not limited to): hospitalization or frequent illness; threat to others; self-harm ideation or attempt; unable to locate student or get a hold of student; traumatic or distressing life event/loss of a family member; angry or hostile outburst, yelling, aggressive comments, or overblown/disproportionate response; extreme change in mood or behavior; expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness/crying or tearfulness; deterioration in personal appearance or personal hygiene; essays or papers that focus on unusual violence, morbidity, despair, suicide, or death; signs of substance misuse/abuse; homelessness/lack of stable living situation; disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion; academic difficulty (due to personal concerns/challenges); concerns about student voiced by their peers; or a hunch or gut-level feeling that something is wrong.
What happens after a CARE referral is made?
After a CARE referral is received, the case managers will do an initial assessment based on the incident. Case managers will then reach out to other members of the CARE team for any additional information about the student that would be beneficial in holistically supporting the student. Case managers may also reach out to the referring party for clarification regarding the initial referral. After additional information is gathered and clarified (if needed) the case manager will reach out to the student to schedule a meeting.
What happens during CARE meetings?
During the meeting, the case manager(s) and the student discuss the incident or behaviors that caused concern. We also work to identify other stressors or things that may be negatively impacting the student. Case manager(s) will then partner with the student to problem solve and create an action plan to address the concerning behavior, while promoting the student’s academic, personal, and professional success. Case manager(s) will also help identify any university and/or community resources that the student could benefit from utilizing.
What happens after the initial CARE meeting?
After an action plan is created, it’s implemented! Each action plan is different and is dependent on the individual student’s needs. Action plans may include: success plans, referrals to community and university resources, and ongoing case management. Most often, a combination is used to appropriately and effectively address any mitigating concerns.
If I made a referral, will I know what happens with the student?
If you would like a case manager to follow up with you after the initial CARE meeting, please note that on the referral form. Case managers are happy to share any information they can back to the referring party!
I got an email from a case manager. Do I really have to come to a meeting?
YES! If a student fails to respond to the case manager, an enrollment hold may be placed on their student account. CARE meetings are meant to be assistive and supportive and they are not optional.
