CARE
(Campus Assessment, Resource, Evaluation)
What is the CARE Team?
The CARE Team is a multidisciplinary group of campus professionals dedicated to supporting student well-being and success. By identifying concerns early and connecting students with appropriate resources, the CARE Team works proactively to help students overcome challenges that may impact their health, safety, well-being, or ability to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
In case of emergency
- Please call 911 for all emergencies
- For non-emergencies, please call High Point Security at (719) 680-2119
- Suicide Prevention: Text HOME to 741741 or text 988
Need Support?
If you are concerned about yourself or another student, we are here to help. Submit a referral using the button below, and a member of our team will review the concern and help connect the student with appropriate support and resources.
The CARE Team can assist with concerns related to:
- Academic challenges or barriers to student success
- Physical health, mental health, or overall well-being concerns
- Significant changes in behavior, mood, or level of functioning
- Financial stressors or challenges accessing basic needs
- Resource connection
- Housing instability, food insecurity, or other basic needs concerns
- Relationship violence
- Substance use concerns and harm reduction support
How to Help
Supporting Students in the Moment
This section is designed to help faculty, staff, students, and community members recognize concerning behaviors and know how to respond. While we encourage you to submit a concern report to the CARE Team whenever you have concerns about a student’s well-being, we understand that situations do not always happen during regular business hours or when a referral can be submitted right away.
If harm to self or others appears imminent or has already occurred, please contact High Point Security at (719) 680-2119 or dial 911 immediately.
For other non-immediate resources, please visit our online resource hub.
How to Help: Recognizing When Someone May Need Support
Everyone experiences stress, challenges, and difficult moments. As members of the Trinidad State College community, we all play a role in supporting one another and helping students connect with resources when they need additional support.
Sometimes, changes in a person's behavior, mood, communication, or daily functioning may indicate that they are experiencing challenges beyond what they can manage alone. When you notice concerning behaviors, trust your instincts and reach out. You do not need to diagnose a situation or determine the "right" level of concern — the CARE Team is here to help.
When in doubt, submit a CARE Team referral. A CARE referral is not a disciplinary action and does not get someone "in trouble." It allows our team to connect with students, better understand their needs, and identify appropriate support.
Concerning Behaviors
These behaviors may cause you to feel worried, concerned, or unsure about someone's well-being.
Examples may include:
- Significant changes in academic performance or engagement
- Noticeable changes in mood, behavior, or personality
- Persistent sadness, frequent crying, or increased emotional distress
- Changes in social interactions or withdrawal from others
- Changes in appearance, personal hygiene, or self-care
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions
- Confusing, disorganized, or concerning communication
What you can do:
- Reach out and have a private, supportive conversation
- Express your concern without judgment
- Listen and allow the person to share
- Encourage connection with campus or community resources
- Submit a CARE Team referral if additional support may be helpful
Disruptive Behaviors
These behaviors interfere with the learning environment, campus community, or the ability of others to feel safe and supported.
Examples may include:
- Verbal aggression, intimidation, or threatening language
- Highly escalated emotions or difficulty managing reactions
- Repeated disruptive behaviors after expectations have been communicated
- Statements or behaviors that cause concern for safety
- Appearing disconnected from reality or experiencing significant confusion
What you can do:
- Remain calm and respectful
- Clearly communicate expectations and boundaries
- Avoid arguing or escalating the situation
- Seek assistance if the behavior continues or you feel uncomfortable
- Document concerning interactions when appropriate
- Submit a CARE Team referral for follow-up support
Threatening Behaviors
These situations involve behaviors that create immediate concern for the safety of the individual or others.
Examples may include:
- Direct threats to harm oneself or others
- Physical violence or attempts to harm someone
- Possession or display of a weapon in a threatening manner
- Threatening messages or communications
- Behavior that indicates an immediate safety concern
What you can do:
- Prioritize your safety and the safety of others
- Call 911 or Campus Safety immediately
- Do not attempt to manage an unsafe situation alone
- Submit a CARE Team referral when appropriate after immediate safety needs have been addressed
Any mention of suicide, self-harm, or wanting to die should be taken seriously. You do not need to determine how serious a concern is — your role is to listen, support, and help connect the person with appropriate resources.
If someone is experiencing an immediate crisis or you believe there is an imminent risk of harm:
- Call 911
- Contact Campus Safety
- Stay with the individual if it is safe to do so
Remember: Ask, Listen, Connect
Ask
- If you are concerned someone may be thinking about suicide, it is okay to ask directly: "Are you thinking about suicide?"
Listen
- Allow the person to share without judgment.
- Avoid minimizing their feelings or trying to immediately "fix" the situation.
Connect
- Help the person connect with appropriate support.
- Encourage them to reach out to the Office of Student Well-Being, campus resources, or community crisis services.
- Submit a CARE Team referral so additional support can be coordinated.
Warning signs may include:
- Increased sadness, hopelessness, guilt, shame, or emotional distress
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they previously enjoyed
- Increased irritability, anger, or significant mood changes
- Talking about feeling like a burden or that others would be better off without them
- Talking about death, dying, or suicide
- Giving away important possessions or making final arrangements
- Increased risk-taking or impulsive behaviors
- Expressing feelings of being trapped or unable to cope
Factors That May Increase Risk
Risk can increase when someone experiences challenges such as:
- Previous suicide attempts
- Significant loss or major life changes
- Feelings of hopelessness or isolation
- Substance use concerns
- Difficulty accessing support or treatment
- Physical illness or chronic stressors
Factors That Promote Safety and Resilience
Protective factors may include:
- Strong connections with supportive people
- Access to caring and respectful support services
- Positive coping skills and problem-solving strategies
- A sense of belonging and connection to a community
- Willingness to seek help
Remember: No single warning sign or protective factor can predict whether someone is considering suicide. If you are concerned about someone's well-being, reach out. The CARE Team is here to help.
When in doubt, submit a CARE Team referral
Request a CARE Team Training
The CARE Team is committed to building a campus community where students, faculty, and staff feel prepared to recognize concerns, support one another, and connect individuals with appropriate resources. We offer educational presentations and trainings designed to increase awareness, promote early intervention, and strengthen our shared responsibility for student well-being.
Trainings can be tailored to meet the needs of your department, classroom, student organization, or campus group. Examples include:
- CARE Team 101: What We Do and When to Refer
- Recognizing and Responding to Students in Distress
- Supporting Students Through Difficult Conversations
- Suicide Prevention and Awareness
- Building a Culture of Care
- Campus Resources and Referral Pathways
- Understanding Basic Needs Barriers and Student Support
If your group would benefit from a CARE Team presentation or training, please submit a request below. A member of the team will follow up to discuss your needs and identify the best training option.
Members:
