CARE Team

Purpose:

The purpose of the Western Oregon University’s CARE Team is to assess, discuss, and recommend intervention to the appropriate campus departments, divisions or persons in response to significant campus situations and events such as: issues of bias, student death or significant trauma, problematic student situations involving medical or psychological concerns, and campus emergency situations that directly affect the well-being of students and the campus community at large.

Mission:

To maintain a safe and secure learning environment at Western Oregon University by addressing the physical and psychological issues that impact students, faculty and staff in the pursuit of the educational process.

Members:

Maria Bonifacio-Sample, Director of Student Conduct

Paige Jackson, Director of Student Success and Advising

Rebecca Chiles, Assistant Vice President, Safety and Facilities

Tina Fuchs, Vice President for Student Affairs

Lindsey Gibson, Director of University Housing

Sierra Logan, Associate Director of University Housing

Kristin Latham-Scott, Interim Dean of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Malissa Larson, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students

Beth Scroggins, Director of Student Health and Counseling Center

Mike Hanson, Director of Public Safety

Additional persons may be brought in as the need and situation warrants and may include but is not limited to:

Provost

Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Title IX Officer

Vice President for Finance and Administration

Public Relations

Athletics

Registrar

International student representative

Faculty members, as appropriate

Local law enforcement representative(s)

Polk County Mental Health

Meetings:

The CARE Team meets twice a month or sooner if an event or situation arises that requires immediate review and intervention. Records of the meetings and recommendations will be made and kept with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. For confidentiality concerns, the names of the individual persons being reviewed will be kept in the strictest confidence.

Reporting a Concern:

If the situation does not involve imminent danger or health risk:

• Option 1 – Fill out the Student of Concern form on line by clicking this link: Student of Concern Form
• Option 2 – Contact any member of the CARE Team for advice/information

If the situation is an emergency or involves imminent danger or health risk, contact Campus Public Safety immediately at 503-838-8000 or call 911.

Confidentiality:

All persons involved in the CARE Team meetings and assessments are to adhere to the laws and regulations that govern the disclosure of information to third parties. Any names that are discussed will be kept in the strictest confidence. Such information is only disclosed on an administrative need to know basis and only according to the relevant statutes that govern such disclosure.

The representative for Student Health and Counseling will disclose information only if an emergent situation exists and meets the criteria for release under HIPAA and psychological ethical guidelines.

Procedures for when a meeting is convened:

• Assess the situation in order to understand the issue.
• Identify those who may be affected and need support, including friends, roommates, spouse, family, faculty, etc. Identify all communities that may be involved.
• Notify appropriate offices.
• Assure that appropriate services are recommended and available.
• Follow up to evaluate what services have taken place and the impact of those services in allowing closure to the situation.
• Initiate and recommend further actions if needed.

Training:

WOU CARE Team will develop a training module to be offered to the campus community (faculty and staff). The training module will include:

• information on the services available to the campus community,
• the necessity for early intervention,
• the role and purpose of the CARE Team at WOU, and
• what types of actions the CARE Team may recommend.

Notification of Parents / Family Member / Emergency Contact:

The confidentiality of the student’s educational record shall be held in the utmost regard. As per the rules and regulations from FERPA, WOU CARE Team will not release any educational records unless a written release is obtained. The exception allowed under FERPA for disclosure based upon health and safety emergencies shall be used only if the event is immediate and requires intervention by persons outside of the CARE Team itself. The contacting of parents should be based upon the best practices established under FERPA and Counseling Center recommendations along with the consensus of the CARE Team. Contact should be made through the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.