C.A.R.E. Program

Vested Interest in Student Success, Health and Well-Being

East Stroudsburg University maintains a vested interest in the success, health, and well-being of our students, faculty and staff.

To this end, the University has established the Campus Advocacy and Resource Engagement (CARE) Program.

The mission of the CARE Program: In partnership with students, CARE's mission is to develop personalized holistic action plans to promote self-growth and success. Through advocacy and engagement with university and community resources, students are supported in reaching their personal and educational goals.

Why and How to Refer A Student to CARE

As students navigate the college experience, CARE provides support and resources to aid students on their journey. To refer a student, click Submit a Referral.

Please note the CARE Program can accept anonymous referrals, however, these may be difficult to address as the team may need more information and will not be able to gather that information.

The CARE Program is committed to the success of the student and the more information we have, the better we can address the needs of the student and the community.

Call for Assistance

If the student is an immediate threat to themselves or others, please call 911 or the campus police at (570) 422-3064.

Behaviors of Concern

Academic Indicators

• Repeated absences from class, section, or lab
• Missed assignments, exams, or appointments
• Deterioration in quality or quantity of work
• Extreme disorganization or erratic performance
• Written or artistic expression of unusual violence, morbidity, social isolation, despair, or confusion; essays or papers that focus on suicide or death
• Overblown or disproportionate response to grades or other evaluations

Behavioral and Emotional Indicators

• A person discusses bringing a gun or other weapon to campus*
• Online posting of a threat or a threatening e-mail*
• Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or loss
• Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling, or aggressive comments
• More withdrawn or more animated than usual
• Expressions of hopelessness or worthlessness; crying or tearfulness
• Expressions of severe anxiety or irritability
• Patterns of violence as a way to solve a problem
• Someone talks about feeling “wronged” and wants to get revenge
• Shakiness, tremors, fidgeting, or pacing

Physical Indicators

• Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
• Excessive fatigue, exhaustion; falling asleep in class repeatedly
• Visible changes in weight; statements about change in appetite or sleep
• Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns
• Frequent or chronic illness
• Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion
• Unusual inability to make eye contact
• Coming to class bleary-eyed or smelling of alcohol

Other Factors

• Concern about a student by his/her peers or teaching assistant
• A sense or gut-feeling which you feel something is wrong

Concern for Another Student

When any faculty, staff, family member, or student is concerned about the behavior(s) of another student, there are several avenues one can take depending upon the nature of the concerns, including:

1. Talking to the student directly about your concerns about their behaviors;
2. For non-emergent mental health matters, refer the student to the C.A.R.E. Team by completing the Student of Concern form.
3. Suggesting the student come to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for an appointment, or if the student is in crisis or in the case of an urgent matter, going directly to CAPS to be seen ASAP that day by a counselor between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (the faculty or staff member can also accompany the student to CAPS); or,
4. If the person is expressing suicidal thoughts or suicidal intent (i.e. "I want to kill myself", "I can't go on anymore"), either bringing the student to CAPS between the hours of 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., calling campus police at (570) 422-3064, or calling 911 immediately. Under these circumstances, it is important to remain with the student until the appropriate help arrives, unless you feel your personal safety is at risk, then call 911 immediately.