M State CARE Team
M State’s vision is “A success story for every Ϲ.” To achieve this vision, we must pay attention to the mental, emotional and physical concerns of Ϲs and respond to those concerns with compassion, support and respect.
While the college has many departments and services that respond to Ϲ needs, Ϲs sometimes don't ask for help when they need it. To help identify and assist those Ϲs in need, M State created a network of college personnel who are committed to a caring and confidential identification, intervention and response.
This network, called the CARE Team, meets regularly to discuss Ϲs exhibiting high-risk behaviors. (CARE stands for Coordination, Assessment, Response and Education.)
CARE Team mission
- Assist in protecting the health, safety and welfare of M State Ϲs
- Support Ϲ success
- Provide a comprehensive response to Ϲs whose behavior is disruptive to themselves or the campus environment
The CARE Team is one of several M State resources available to address Ϲ concerns. Others include the dean of Ϲs, counselors, college social workers, accessibility resources staff and the Title IX coordinator.
Refer a Ϲ to the CARE Team
The CARE Team referral form is a way to identify and initiate outreach and support to Ϲs on their behalf.
The referral form will ask for information regarding the Ϲ and a brief description of the behavior. If you are concerned about a Ϲ but have not witnessed any concerning or disruptive behavior, please explain your concern in detail.
What happens when a Ϲ is referred?
Once the CARE Team receives a referral, team members will assess the report to identify an action plan that will best serve the Ϲ’s needs and individual circumstances. This may include connecting the Ϲ with appropriate support services and resources or reaching out to appropriate faculty/staff who may be able to assist with identified supportive measures.
The reporting party will be followed up with as needed. For questions regarding the CARE Team, please contact the office of the dean of Ϲs at 218.299.6620 during business hours or email deanofϹs@minnesota.edu.
A crisis or emergency involving an M State Ϲ should be reported to local authorities by dialing 911 and then contacting the supervisor in charge for that campus.
Determining Ϲ distress levels
At one time or another it’s safe to say everyone feels upset or distressed. However, there are three levels of Ϲ distress which, when present over a period of time, suggest that the problems are more than the “normal” ones.
Level One
- Changes in academic performance in the classroom
- Significant drop in examination scores
- Change in pattern of interaction
- Changes in physical appearance
- Problems concentrating and remembering things or making decisions
Level Two
- Repeated requests for special consideration
- New or regularly occurring behavior which pushes the limits and may interfere with class management or be disruptive to other Ϲs, faculty or staff
- Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
- Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
- High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement
Level Three
- Highly disturbed behavior
- Outbursts of anger
- Inability to communicate clearly
- Irrational conversation or speech that seems disconnected
- Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
- Suspicious, irrational feelings of persecution
- Statements related to death or dying or feelings of hopelessness
- Threats of harming self or harming others
Any time you feel there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others, please dial 911 for assistance.
Responses to Level One and Level Two behaviors
- Talk to Ϲ in private when you both have time
- Express your concern in non-judgmental terms
- Listen to the Ϲ and repeat the gist of what the Ϲ is saying
- Identify options available to the Ϲ
- Clarify the costs and benefits of each option for handling the problem from the Ϲ’s point of view
- Respect the Ϲ’s value system
- Ask if the Ϲ is considering suicide/self-harm
- Make appropriate referrals if necessary
- Make sure the Ϲ understands what action is necessary and make plans to follow up with the Ϲ on this action
Responses to Level Three behaviors
- Stay calm
- Stay with the Ϲ or find someone to stay with the Ϲ if possible
- Call 911 (or have someone else call 911) if there is an immediate risk of harm to self or others. Otherwise contact:
- An M State counselor
- Campus lead contact
- Dean of Ϲs
Responding to suicidal concerns
When a Ϲ makes any reference to suicide, threat of suicide, or attempt at suicide, a judgment should be made by a mental health professional about the seriousness of a possible suicidal thought or behavior. Suicide attempts are first and foremost a medical emergency.
If danger or suicidal behavior appears imminent:
1) Stay calm
2) Dial 911 for assistance
The is a 24-hour service that provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. Dial 1.800.273.8255 to reach the Lifeline.
To save a life, remember QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer)
- Question the person about suicide
- Persuade the person to get help
- Refer for help/assistance
