Care Team
When Students Need Extra Support
Sometimes a student may face challenges that require additional support or raise concerns about well-being or safety. The Care Team brings together professionals from across Mid-State to assess those situations, connect students with resources, and help them stay on track toward their goals.
The Care Team provides one place for faculty, staff, students, families, and community members to share concerns about a currently enrolled student who may be experiencing distress or facing challenges.
When concerns arise, the Care Team reviews the situation, coordinates an appropriate response, and helps students access the support they need to succeed.
Guided by Mid-State's commitment to student success, the Care Team works to:
- Support student well-being and safety through early outreach and intervention.
- Recognize warning signs or behaviors that may affect a student's academic, personal, or social success.
- Connect students with the services and resources they need.
- Respond to potential safety concerns through assessment and planning.
Submit a Concern
Anyone can refer a student to the Care Team by completing the Submit a Concern form. Referrals may be submitted by Mid-State employees, students, family members, or anyone who believes a student may benefit from additional support.
Referrals are reviewed during normal business hours. They are not monitored after hours, on weekends, or during official college holidays.
If someone is in immediate danger or there is an urgent threat to safety, health, or security, call 911 first. Then contact Campus Security at 715-422-5656.
Care Team Members
The Care Team brings together professionals from across the college to support student well-being and success. Team members represent areas including Student Success, Accessibility Services, Counseling Services, and Security, allowing the team to respond to concerns from multiple perspectives.
By working together, the Care Team can assess situations, coordinate support, and connect students with the resources they need. This collaborative approach helps provide timely, compassionate support while promoting a safe, welcoming campus for everyone.
Care Team FAQs
You can refer any student who appears to be in distress or may need support. This can include students experiencing anxiety, grief, depression, suicidal thoughts, thoughts of harming others, disruptive behavior, eating disorders, threatening behavior, or other concerning changes.
If something feels concerning, it's best to submit a Care Team referral.
For emergencies or immediate threats to safety, health, or security, call 911 first, then Campus Security at 715-422-5656.
Examples of student distress may include:
- Talking about suicide, directly or indirectly
- Sudden decline in academic performance or class participation
- Frequent absences or missing assignments
- Signs of depression, hopelessness, or severe sadness
- Significant changes in personal hygiene
- Concerning comments in written work
- Excessive alcohol or drug use
- Disordered eating behaviors
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Physical or sexual assault
- Extreme anxiety, agitation, irritability, or aggressive behavior
- Unusual or bizarre behavior or speech
- Violent outbursts
- Excessive dependence on faculty or staff
After you submit a referral, you will receive an automatic confirmation. The Care Team may contact you for additional information.
The team will gather information, determine the best response, and connect the student with appropriate support as quickly as possible. If needed, the Care Team will review the case, assess the level of risk using the NaBITA Risk Assessment rubric, and take further action.
When appropriate, employees and peers are encouraged to speak with the student before making a referral and help connect them with resources.
If requested, the Care Team will make every effort not to share the submitter’s name. However, because of the nature of the situation or the size of the college community, the student may be able to identify who made the referral.
Yes. However, anonymous submissions may limit the Care Team's ability to follow up, verify information, or ask clarifying questions, which could affect how well we can assist the student.
The Care Team will make every effort to follow up with you. However, student privacy laws may limit what information can be shared.
If you have questions about a referral, please contact the Care Team chairperson.
Showing concern and support can make a meaningful difference. You do not need to be a counselor. Listening, expressing care, and connecting students with resources can be very helpful.
When talking with a student you're concerned about:
- Meet with the student privately.
- Express your concern and support.
- Ask open-ended questions, such as, "How are things going for you?"
- Share specific observations using "I" statements (for example, "I've noticed lately that...")
- Listen carefully and encourage the student to talk.
- Ask what they think would help.
- Suggest appropriate campus resources and explain how they may be helpful.
Questions
Not ready to submit a concern but have a question about the Care Team or the referral process? Please reach out! Your question will be directed to Care Team Chairperson Stephanie Bender.
