CARE Teams: Compassionate and Responsive Educators
The CARE Teams are comprised of two groups of trained campus professionals who respond to reports of students who exhibit behavior(s) that can range from being in distress to disruptive and potentially dangerous behavior.
These two teams exist to assist and support students through challenging times. SCU CARE embodies the University's commitment to supporting our students by helping them find the resources to build resilience and overcome challenges.
The SWT serves as the coordinating hub of a network of campus resources focusing on prevention and early intervention for students experiencing distress, academic or interpersonal difficulties, or engaging in disruptive behaviors of concern.
This team develops intervention and support strategies. The team regularly reviews and assesses these situations and recommends actions in accordance with existing University policies and refers cases to the Behavioral Concerns Team as appropriate.
Representatives from the following offices are on the SWT: Cowell Center, Drahman Academic Advising and Learning Center, Office of Accessible Education, Residence Life, and Office of Student Life.
The BCT is a campus-wide team of trained professionals dedicated to a proactive and supportive approach to address student behavior that causes significant disruption in the campus community. This team identifies strategies to address the disruptive behaviors and assess risk of harm to oneself and/or others. This team coordinates appropriate action to address the concerning behaviors and ensure the safety of students and the greater University community.
Representatives form the following offices are on the BCT: Campus Safety Services, Cowell Center, EEO & Title IX, Office of Student Life, and other CARE Team departments as appropriate.
Responding to Students of Concern:
In your day-to-day experience, you may encounter any number of students whose behavior is difficult to work with, either for you, other Santa Clara University employees, or fellow students. There are also interactions that are less obvious- those that leave you uneasy and feeling that you need to share the experience with someone. The CARE Teams are here to help you assess and address any such interaction.
| Aggression | Extreme withdrawal | Medical issues or concerns |
| Alarming writings or drawings | Failing grades | Missed multiple classes without contact |
| Anxiety | Family abuse | Non-responsive to outreach |
| Attempted suicide | Feels that they have been unfairly or is being targeted | Overly stressed or overwhelmed |
| Bizarre or erratic behavior | Financial issues | Preoccupation with guns, ammunition or weapons |
| Depression | Flat affect or extreme lack of responsiveness | Preoccupation with fire or bombs |
| Disconnected from reality | Grief and/or significant loss | Self-injurious behavior (cutting, burning, etc.) |
| Drug abuse/dependence | Homelessness | Significant change in behavior, hygiene, or self-care |
| Eating disorder (anorexia or bulimia) | Hostility | Significant change: academic performance |
| Extreme rudeness | Incoherent or slurred speech | Suicidal thoughts expressed |
The most effective way to express your concern is online at: www.scu.edu/osl/report. Click on "Student of Concern". Once submitted, your referral is sent immediately to the SWT and BCT chairs and select team members. When making a referral, you do not need to decide whether the referral should go to the SWT or BCT. The leaders for these teams will make that determination. It is also possible the matter will be handled outside of the CARE Team structure.
For more information and resources, visit scu.edu/osl/culture-of-care/. The Office of Student Life is available to coordinate a presentation on the work of the CARE Committee upon request. If interested, please call (408) 554-4583.
If you feel that you or any person is in immediate danger, call 911 or Campus Safety at (408) 554-4444.