Referral Guide for Faculty & Staff

A referral guide for faculty and staff:

As a member of the campus community, you may be one of the first to become aware of a student in distress or at risk. The Wellness Center is available for faculty and staff consultation regarding concerns about a student. We can discuss the appropriateness of a referral and help facilitate the process.  The Wellness Center is also available to attend faculty and staff department meetings to review how to recognize problem behaviors and initiate referrals to the Wellness Center.

 

When to refer:

• Dependency, excessive appointments
• Change in appearance; poor hygiene
• Change in quality of work
• Low energy
• Sleep disturbance; sleeping in class
• Disruptive behaviors
• Disturbing content in written work or message
• Irritability, mood swings, aggressiveness
• Low mood; crying
• Isolation; social withdrawal
• “Not happy” on campus
• Abuse of substances; drug/alcohol abuse
• Health complaints
• Self– injury
• Change in eating habits; major weight loss/gain

 

How to refer:

After observing problem behaviors, here’s how to approach the student:

• Arrange a time to speak privately with the student.
• Explain that you are concerned and interested in helping them be successful.
• Describe observed behaviors, but avoid being critical and judgmental.
• Gather as much information as possible. If you are concerned about student safety, do not be afraid to ask direct questions, such as, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?”  Asking these direct questions will not cause someone to commit suicide.
• Suggest Wellness Center services as a resource to help the student through these problems.
• If the student agrees, call the Wellness Center (5225) while s/he is still with you to set up an appointment.
• If the student declines your referral and you are still concerned, contact the Wellness Center to share this information.  A staff member will assess the information and implement a plan of action.
• If, at any time, you perceive there is imminent danger, call University Police at 911 or 518-255-5555.  Then place a call to the Wellness Center 518-255-5225.

When to reach out for help:

The following indicators can be important signs of distress, particularly when they interfere with a student’s health and/or social and academic functioning:

• Unrelenting sadness, hopelessness, or apathy
• Loss of interest in socializing
• Deterioration in academic functioning, included falling behind and missing classes
• Verbal or written threats of suicide, or expressions of hopelessness or a wish to die
• Persistent problems with sleep, appetite, concentration, or motivation
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Impulsivity and unnecessary risk-taking
• Emotional outbursts (unprovoked anger or hostility, sobbing)
• Dramatic changes in energy levels or personality traits 
• Changes in hygiene or personal appearance, including significant weight changes
• Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns
• Unusual or extreme obsessions – with a person, situation, or topic
• Threats of violence

You may notice one or more of these signs and decide that something is clearly wrong. Or you may just have a “gut feeling” that something’s amiss.

Either way, you should take these signs – and your intuition – seriously. Most people who attempt suicide, self-harm, or violence give some warning of their intentions.

Any reference of threat to harm self or others should be judged as serious.  If you perceive there is imminent danger, call University Police at 911 or 518-255-5555.  Then place a call to the Wellness Center at 518-255-5225.

 

Behavioral Assessment Team

Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) Definition: The Behavioral Assessment Team (BAT) is a multidisciplinary group that assesses and addresses student health-related concerns and individuals displaying disruptive, concerning, or potentially harmful behavior. Utilizing a preventive approach for early intervention, BAT identifies deficits students may be experiencing to determine the appropriate level of support and resources for successful intervention.

 BAT Team Membership

•  Jill Basile – Director of Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator

• Derwin Bennett – Chief Diversity Officer & Executive Director of Educational Support Services

• William Hen – Chief of Police

• Mary Irving - Associate Athletic Director

• Matt Lalonde (Chair) – Associate Vice President for Student Development

• Brett Loder - Facilities

• Gary Morris- Assistant Vice-President for Academic Affairs

• Lynn Ontl – Director of the Wellness Center

• Wendi Richards – Director of Accessibility Resources & Transition

Concern, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE)

Concern, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) Definition: The Concern, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE) team is a multidisciplinary group comprised of faculty, staff, and other campus stakeholders dedicated to providing early intervention and support for students experiencing minor to moderate concerns related to their academic, personal, or emotional well-being. The CARE team collaborates to assess student needs, develop personalized support plans, and connect students with appropriate resources and services to address their challenges effectively. The CARE team will refer more moderate to severe concerns to BAT for review.

CARE Team Membership

• Jill Basile – (Chair) Director of Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
• Anthony Esposito – Instructor, Agricultural Engineering
• Jennifer Golden – Interim Executive Director of CASE
• Meaghan Graff – Head Athletic Trainer
• Sarah Harrison – Assistant Director of the Wellness Center
• Leah Johnson – Environmental, Health, and Safety Officer
• LeAnn Pratt – Associate Director of Residential Learning and Well-Being
• Danielle Rue – Senior Counselor, Wellness Center
• Michael Wacksman – Associate Director for Student Leadership

If you have concerns about a student to be reviewed by the team you may contact Matt Lalonde, Assistant VP of Student Development at 518-255-5215.

Student of Concern Form