CARE is not an emergency response service. If there is an immediate concern for someone’s safety or health, contact HPU Security or call 911 immediately.
CARE stands for Collaboration, Assessment, Response, and Education. We’re a multidisciplinary group that supports student well-being, safety, and success through early intervention and resource connection.
Anytime you’re concerned about a student’s well-being, behavior, emotional distress, academic struggles, or ability to navigate college.
Common examples include isolation or withdrawal, behavior changes, grief or loss, health and wellness concerns, or trouble adjusting.
CARE supports a wide range of challenges, not just mental health. If you’re unsure whether a situation warrants a referral, submit it or contact CARE for consultation. Early outreach makes a real difference.
Anyone. Students (including self-referrals), faculty, staff, family members, roommates, friends, or community members. You can submit anonymously, though including your contact information can be helpful if additional context is needed. CARE makes every effort to protect the privacy of individuals who share concerns, particularly student reporters, and information is shared only when necessary to support a student’s well-being or safety.
CARE staff review the referral, assess needs, and determine next steps. That may involve outreach to the student, resource connection, consultation, or coordination with campus partners.
We may acknowledge receipt, but we can’t share details about how a concern is resolved.
If a student doesn’t respond to outreach, we make reasonable additional attempts and may keep coordinating with campus partners. Engaging with support is encouraged but generally not required.
Supportive, never disciplinary. Students are typically told that someone expressed concern and wanted to make sure they had support.
If you’re a student receiving outreach, you’re not in trouble. Someone in your life shared a concern because they want you to have support, and our role is to connect you with resources and answer questions.
CARE respects student privacy and shares information only on a need-to-know basis in accordance with university policy and applicable privacy laws, including FERPA.
No. CARE is not a counseling or clinical service. The CARE Team helps connect students with appropriate campus and community resources, including Counseling Services when appropriate.
For faculty and staff, we offer consultation, guidance, resource coordination, and support strategies when you’re concerned about a student.
Family members can also reach out to share concerns, and we’ll review and determine appropriate outreach options.
If you feel comfortable:
- check in privately
- listen without judgment
- express concern
- encourage support resources
- let the student know you care
You do not need to have all the answers before making a referral.
- sudden behavior changes
- withdrawal/isolation
- concerning emails or assignments
- emotional outbursts
- excessive absences
- decline in academic performance
- hopeless statements
- hygiene/self-care changes
- signs of overwhelm
Encourage supportive, private, and nonjudgmental conversations. Emphasize listening, expressing care, and helping students connect with support resources.
Example phrases:
- “I wanted to check in because I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately.”
- “I’m concerned about you and wanted to see how things are going.”
- “You don’t have to navigate this alone.”
Helpful approaches may include:
- validating feelings
- listening without judgment
- expressing concern calmly
- encouraging support resources
Avoid:
- minimizing concerns
- forcing disclosure
- making promises of confidentiality
- attempting to provide therapy or counseling beyond your role
Referrals are encouraged whenever someone is concerned about a student’s well-being.
Examples may include:
- repeated absences
- concerning behavior changes
- emotional distress
- statements suggesting hopelessness
- grief or significant life stressors
- concerning peer interactions
- uncertainty about how to support a student
Examples may include:
- checking in with students privately
- encouraging use of campus resources
- demonstrating flexibility when appropriate
- creating an inclusive classroom environment
- following up after absences
- reinforcing that seeking support is encouraged