When to Contact the CARES Team
Contact CARES when a student’s observed or reported behavior causes you concern. Trust your instincts, and ask for help if you have concerns about a student. Don’t wait until the situation deteriorates, seek advice early. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) does not prohibit the sharing of personal observations and knowledge about a student among campus officials when there is a legitimate concern related to campus safety. You may have concern and should refer to the CARES Team if the student:
- Exhibits an abrupt change in performance, behavior or appearance;
- Demonstrates a pattern of absences from class or activities;
- Engages in bizarre behavior or seems to be disconnected from reality;
- Is disruptive in class, in the residence halls, during advising sessions, etc. and does not stop when you instruct him/her to do so;
- Asks for help in dealing with personal issues that are out of your role as a faculty or staff member;
- Has engaged in behavior that causes you or others to be concerned for safety (e.g. yelling, intimidation, name-calling);
- Creates a hostile environment in class (others stop attending because of the student);
- Threatens to harm him/herself or others;
- Writes about committing violent acts;
- Is consistently angry or depressed.
Refer a Student to the CARES Team
Refer a student to the CARES Team by submitting a report through our secure online form or call the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Dr. Jeff Klaus at (562) 985-8670. If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or University Police (562) 985-4101.
If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1 or University Police (562) 985-4101.
