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.
Concern, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation (CARE)
The CARE Team is a multidisciplinary group of faculty, staff, and campus stakeholders
dedicated to supporting student success and well-being. We identify and address early
signs of concern—ranging from academic, personal, or emotional challenges to disruptive,
concerning, or potentially harmful behaviors—through a proactive, compassionate, and
collaborative approach.
Our primary goals are to:
- Provide timely early intervention and individualized support for students facing minor
to severe difficulties.
- Assess student needs holistically.
- Develop personalized response and support plans.
- Connect students to appropriate campus and community resources to help them thrive.
The CARE Team works closely with an extended network of experts—the CARE Extended
Team—who offer specialized guidance and additional support as specific student needs
emerge.
All CARE Team efforts prioritize student safety and empowerment, while fostering a
supportive campus environment.
CARE Team Membership
- Associate Vice President for Student Development – Dr. Matthew LaLonde
- Director of Community Standards & Advocacy – Jillian Basile
- University Police Chief – William Henn
- Director of Wellness Center – Lynn Ontl
- Director of Education, Learning & Development Specialist – Leah Johnson
- Director for Accessibility Resources and Transitions – Wendi Richards
- Executive Director (interim) of CASE – Jennifer Golden
- Director of Residential Life – Dale Ano
- Dean of the Faculty – Dr. Ian Macdonald
CARE Extended Team
- Associate Director, Residential Learning & Wellbeing – LeAnn Pratt
- Director of Academic Advising (Interim) -- Jill Brinkman
- Assistant Director of the Wellness Center -- Sara Vennard
- Assistant Professor -- Anthony Esposito
- Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs - Gary Morris
- Associate Dean of Agriculture and Academics -- Sophie Ano
- Chief Diversity Officer -- Derwin Bennett
- Director of Atheltics -- Marie Curran Headley
- Senior Counselor -- Danielle Rue
Referrals can be made confidentially via our Student of Concern Form. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our CARE team chair, Dr.
Matthew LaLonde, Associate VP of Student Development at 518-255-5300.
Student of Concern Form