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 Tech. 

Some examples of observed behaviors you should report

• Academic Concerns (classroom disruption, disturbed writing, sustained absenteeism)
• 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
• Hospitalization/medical/health related concern
• Inappropriate emotional outbursts (unprovoked anger/aggression, hostility, etc.)
• Inappropriate interest in weapons
• Self-harm (noticeable cuts, burns, or mutilation)
• Sexual assault/rape/attempted rape
• Student death
• Suicidal thoughts or threats
• Suicide 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

The key components of the CARE Team review process are these:

Any individual may submit to the Office of the Dean of Students (DOS) an expression of concern regarding individual students. You may review the form on the DOS website.

Forms submitted, along with any information obtained related to an expression of concern, are considered educational records of the individual students, are maintained at DOS, and will not be disclosed outside the requirements of federal privacy law (FERPA).

The Dean of Students or his/her designee meets with students who are referred through an expression of concern to learn of the student's perspective, gather facts and information, and to be prepared to share information about the student's circumstance with the SRCC.

Cases arising from expressions of concern are reviewed by the CARE Team in a routine meeting or at a special meeting convened at the request of the Dean of Students.

The CARE Team is appointed by The Dean of Students Office and include University professionals from mental health, law enforcement, residence life, athletics, the health clinic, student activities, and academic affairs. It is chaired by the Dean of Students or his/her designee.

The CARE Team may call upon others as needed to inform its deliberations. These might include faculty, staff, outside experts, family, friends and/or fellow students.

Upon completion of the review, The CARE Team recommends to the Dean of Students a course of action that, upon approval, is acted on by the Dean of Students.

At his/her discretion, Conduct Officer, may divert cases of alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct to the CARE Team for its counsel and recommendation. In such cases, the CARE Team will report its recommendations to DOS which will report to The Conduct Officer. Information provided to the Dean of Students Office that alleges a violation of the Student Code of Conduct will be referred to The Conduct Officer.