CARE Team
Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation
At the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, we are committed to supporting students holistically. The CARE Team exists to ensure that students who may be struggling receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate support.
The CARE Team is a cross-campus group of professionals who collaborate to identify concerns early, connect students with resources, and help prevent situations from escalating.
What is the CARE Team?
The CARE Team provides a structured way for faculty, staff, students, families, and community members to share concerns about a student’s wellbeing or behavior.
Our goal is simple: To help students before challenges become crises.
The CARE Team is not a disciplinary body. Instead, it focuses on early awareness, outreach, and coordinated support. When appropriate, the team works alongside other university processes (such as Student Conduct, Title IX, Mental Wellbeing, or Campus Police) to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.
When Should I Submit a Referral?
You are encouraged to submit a CARE referral if you notice:
- Significant changes in behavior, mood, or engagement
- Withdrawal, isolation, or loneliness
- Academic decline or repeated absences
- Concerning statements related to self-harm or safety
- Ongoing conflict impacting wellbeing
- Concerning social media or anonymous online behavior
- Signs of overwhelming stress (including athletics-related stress)
- Any situation where a student appears to be struggling and may benefit from support
If there is an immediate safety concern or emergency, call 911 or Campus Police at 740-245-7286 before submitting a CARE referral.
How the CARE Process Works
- Submit a Referral - Anyone may submit a CARE referral through the online form.
- Review and Triage - The CARE Team reviews referrals within one business day and assesses the level of concern.
- Outreach and Coordination - A team member may reach out to the student to offer support and connect them with appropriate resources.
- Follow-Up - The team monitors ongoing concerns and collaborates across campus to ensure students receive coordinated care.
Due to privacy laws (FERPA), specific outcomes may not always be shared with the person submitting the referral.
Submit a CARE Referral
CARE Team Referral – Fill out form
Mental Health and Support Resources
If you are seeking support for yourself or someone else, you may also explore the Office of Mental Wellbeing webpage. Links are provided for additional resources.
Contact the CARE Team
Email: care@rio.edu
Chair: Seth Lawrence, Dean of Students (Phone: 740-245-7033)