CARE Team
The CARE Team is a campus-wide team of appointed individuals responsible for identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns and/or disruptive behaviors by students who struggle academically, emotionally, or psychologically.
If a student is in crisis (at immediate risk of harm to self or others), call 911 or BGSU Police: 419-372-2346.
If the student is not at immediate risk to self or others, you can report the incident on the University's See it. Hear it. Report it. site. You can also call the Office of the Dean of Students to discuss a concern at 419-372-2843.
Documentation
Disruptive and distressed behavior should be documented. Write a factual, detailed account of what occurred. In addition to reporting your concern to the Office of the Dean of Students, share this information with your immediate supervisor or department chairperson.
Distressed Students
While emotional or stressful responses are expected at certain times during the semester, you may notice someone acting in a way that is inconsistent with your normal experience with that person. You may be able to serve as a helpful resource in times of distress/personal struggle. Your expression of interest and concern may be critical factors in helping the student re-establish an emotional connectedness with family and friends. You may also be able to alert our University staff to ensure a timely and appropriate intervention.
Possible signs of Distress
- Marked change in academic performance or behavior
- Excessive absence or tardiness
- Trouble eating and/or sleeping
- Disruptive behavior
- Undue aggressiveness
- Exaggerated emotional response that is obviously inappropriate to the situation
- Depressed or lethargic mood
- Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
- Marked change in personal hygiene
- Excessive confusion
- Dramatic weight loss or gain
- Dependency (individual hangs around or makes excessive appointments to see you)
- Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
- Feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- Verbal or written references to suicide
- Verbal or written references to harming another
- Isolation from friends, family, or classmates
- Give away prized possessions
THE DOs
- Do speak with the student privately
- Do let him/her know you are concerned about his/her welfare
- Do express your concern by describing changes you observed in non-judgmental terms
- Do tell him/her you are willing to help
- Do listen carefully to what he/she is troubled about
- Do help him/her explore options
- Do suggest resources
- Do consult with others about your concerns
- Do make referrals to the appropriate campus department and offer to accompany them if able
- Do point out that help is available and seeking such help is a sign of strength and courage, rather than a weakness or failure
- Do follow up with the student about your referral
THE DONTs
- Don’t promise confidentiality
- Don’t judge or criticize
- Don’t ignore the unusual behavior
- Don’t make the problem your own
- Don’t involve yourself beyond the limits of your time or skill
What is disruptive behavior?
Behavior that interferes with other students, faculty or staff, or threatens the safety of the community and their access to an appropriate educational or work environment.
What are some examples of disruptive behavior?
- Yelling or screaming
- Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention
- Words or actions that have the effect of intimidating or harassing another
- Words or actions that cause another to fear for his/her personal safety
- Threats of physical assault
How should I respond to disruptive behavior?
Disruptive behavior should not be ignored. Remain calm. Remind yourself that it is not about you; it is about the situation. Tell the individual that such behavior is inappropriate. Inform the individual that there are consequences for failing to improve the disruptive behavior. If possible, have someone else with you. Many disruptive situations involve anger. Recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts 20 to 30 seconds. Although this may seem like an eternity in the midst of the situation, often it is best to wait a person’s emotions out before continuing.
THE DOs
- Do listen through the anger. Use active listening
- Do acknowledge the feelings of the individual
- Do allow the person to vent and tell you what
is upsetting the individual - Do set limits. Explain clearly and directly what
behaviors are acceptable “I am willing to speak
with you as soon as you lower you voice” - Do be assertive, fair, consistent, and honest
- Do focus on what you can do to help resolve
the situation - Do make personal referrals. Give a name of an
individual when possible, and call ahead to brief
the person - Do report to BGSU Police, and/or the Office of the Dean of Students
THE DON’Ts
- Don’t minimize the situation
- Don’t get into an argument or shouting match
- Don’t blame, ridicule, or use sarcasm
- Don’t touch
- Don’t ignore warning signs that the problem is about to explode
- Don’t ignore your own limitations
Managing Classroom Disruptions
Proactive Measures
- Build behavioral expectations into your course syllabus
- Devote sufficient time during first class to discuss those behaviors you view as unacceptable
- Outline the consequences for non-compliance with expectations
- Refer to the Code of Student Conduct if applicable
- Get to know your students
- Meet with students outside the classroom to address concerns
- Respond to students in a caring and concerned manner
Handling Disruptions/Managing Angry Behavior
- Do not overlook the disruption or let it go
- Ask to speak with the student individually
- Explain the behavior you observed
- Describe how the behavior impacts you and the class
- Listen to the student
- Reach an agreement that the behavior will cease
- Document conversation
- Inform your Chair/Director/College Office/Dean
Disruptive behavior that continues
- Meet with the student again
- Document meeting and agreed upon outcome
- Date; time; location; detailed facts of behavior and outcome
- Inform student that additional disruptions will be referred to the Office of the Dean of Students
Ben Batey |
Chief Well-Being Officer | |
Chris Bullins |
Deputy Chief Well-Being Officer |
|
| Ana Brown | Deputy Chief of Diversity, Belonging, and Multicultural Affairs | |
| Dr. Blaze Campbell-Jacobs | Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution |
|
Abby Coon |
Assistant Dean of Students for Student Care and Support |
|
Stephanie Cramer |
Student Assistance & Advocacy Specialist, BGSU Counseling Center |
|
Lea Anne Kessler |
Assistant Director, Accessibility Services |
|
Brittany Krisanda |
Associate Director of Residence Life |
|
Jon Luidhardt |
Deputy Chief of Police, BGSU | |
| Dr. Jessica Mitchell-Corsino | Director, BGSU Counseling Center | |
| Dr. Jeremy Zilmer (CARE Team Chair) | Dean of Students |
Mission
The CARE Team is a campus-wide team of appointed individuals responsible for identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns and/or disruptive behaviors by students who struggle academically, emotionally, or psychologically.
Purpose
The CARE Team assesses reports concerning students who may be struggling with behavioral issues and/or emotional difficulties. The team works diligently in developing an actionable plan that supports students who have exhibited concerning behavior(s) through early intervention. Planned interventions are focused on support and care in an effort to achieve student success while creating a safe environment for all.
Team Responsibilities
- Educate the University community how to identify and report behaviors of concern.
- Receive, review, and maintain a record of information about concerns regarding student behavior that is potentially harmful and/or disruptive to the University community.
- Perform an initial assessment and develop a support plan, within existing University policies, to mitigate risk and promote student success and wellbeing.
- Provide follow-up and assessment of student support plans.
- Make recommendations for action and share information with University faculty, staff and others, as appropriate, to assist with managing potentially disruptive or harmful behavior(s).
- Review CARE Team procedures and protocols, and assess team effectiveness and compliance with University policies.
Updated: 09/08/2023 04:58PM