CARE Team

At Briar Cliff University, we understand you might face challenges during your journey as a Charger. We strive to provide a compassionate and caring community, with individuals who look out for and take care of each other. The Campus Assessment, Referral, and Evaluation (CARE) Team offers an opportunity to provide information so these concerns can be assessed for the appropriate resources to support students during their time of need.

What is the CARE Team?

The CARE Team is a cross-departmental team that meets regularly to review student cases related to social, mental, physical, financial, behavioral, and/or a combination of these needs. Students may submit a referral for themselves or for another student to notify the CARE Team of needed support. The CARE Team identifies the interventions that would provide the necessary support in the best interest of the University and the individual, with a focus on academic and personal success.

Referrals

CARE Team referrals are reviewed daily (Monday - Friday). The team will investigate the issue and make a referral to the most appropriate office(s) or determine if other interventions or resources are needed. The CARE Team will follow up with the individual who initiated the referral to gather additional information if necessary. Due to confidentiality of the individual, the CARE Team may not be able to provide detailed information to the referring person about the individual.

If an emergency, imminent threat, or if a serious incident takes place overnight or over the weekend, please contact the Sioux City Police Department by calling 9-1-1. Campus Security may also be contacted for non-emergent needs.

 Submit a Referral

FAQs

What is needed to make a referral?

When you have a concern for a student's health and well-being, please submit a CARE Team referral. All information shared is kept confidential. Below is a list of information that is helpful to have ready when communicating your concern.

  • Date, time, and location of incident(s)
  • Name, age, and relationship to the person of concern and of victim/target
  • Description of the behaviors of concern/acts committed
  • Names of witnesses
  • Related documentation
Who can contact the CARE Team? 
Anyone: staff, faculty, students, parents, community members. If you have a concern about the well-being of a BCU student, please submit a referral. 
What can be referred to the CARE Team?

Types of Concerns

  • Academic concern
  • Appearance concerns
  • Concerning behavior
  • Extended or excessive absence
  • Family issues
  • Financial concern
  • Medical concern
  • Personal issues
  • Psychological concern
  • Relationship issues
  • Social/Developmental concerns
  • Substance issues (alcohol/drugs)
  • Other

Specific Behaviors

  • A conversation that indications a level of distress in the student
  • Bizarre/disjointed thoughts
  • Death of a loved one
  • Depressed/persistent sadness/unexplained crying
  • Display or use of a weapon
  • Disruptive classroom behavior
  • Disturbing written material/class discussion
  • Domestic violence
  • Drugs or alcohol use
  • Excessive anxiety
  • Extreme mood swings
  • Food insecure/housing concern
  • Health concern
  • Inappropriate display of anger/negative emotions
  • Intimidation
  • Medical issue
  • Mental health concern
  • Personal Issue
  • Physical attack
  • Recent traumatic event
  • Self-Injurious Behaviors
  • Serious illness of a loved one
  • Sexual Misconduct
  • Significant change in appearance/behavior
  • Stalking/cyber-stalking
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Unusual behavior
  • Unusual/changed eating behaviors
  • Any other issue that causes you concern
What happens if I submit a referral?

The CARE Team will receive your confidential submission and will immediately begin assessing the needs. Consultation will be coordinated with the appropriate services, which could include both internal and external experts. The referral will be brought to the appropriate members of the team and a plan for follow-up will be created.

Due to the confidential nature of most referrals, a detailed follow-up response may not be provided to the referring person. 
What if the student needs assistance sooner?

If there is an immediate threat to a student or the community, please call the Sioux City Police Department by dialing 9-1-1. For non-emergent situations, Campus Security may be notified at 1-712-898-1888. If you believe the student is in emotional distress, you may call the Counseling Center at 1-712-279-5433.
Who is on the CARE Team?

Membership of the CARE Team includes employees from the following areas: Academic Affairs, Athletics, Counseling Center, Health Center, the Compass, Public Safety, Residence Life, and Campus Ministry.