When to Refer a Student to the Care Team:
Staff, Faculty, Students, Families, and others are strongly encouraged to share with us when they have significant concerns about a student’s well-being. Concerns can be social, physical, academic or otherwise. Below are just a few examples of each:
IMPORTANT: The Care Team is for non-emergency referrals only. If any person may be in danger or has made direct statements or actions suggesting that a student has plans to harm themselves or someone else, call MUPD at 732-571-4444 or if off campus call 911 immediately.
How to Refer a Student to the Care Team:
To refer a student to the CARE Team please use the CARE Team referral form. If you are not a member of the Monmouth University community, please email: deanofstudents@monmouth.edu.
Concerns regarding a Student’s Basic Needs
- Student needs assistance with food resources. (Meal swipe program, grocery assistance, assistance in applying for SNAP benefits.
- Needs assistance in identifying resources for housing
- Needs assistance in identifying resources for health insurance/resources
- Needs emergency financial assistance.
Social and Emotional Concerns:
- Comments about suicide or harm to others (For immediate concerns, call MUPD at 732-571-4444 or if off campus call 911)
- Socially withdrawn, isolated, lack of communication with anyone around them
- Direct statements of distress (“I’m really struggling”)
- Significant change in overall mood
- Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling or aggressive comments
- Appears overanxious or extremely distressed, panic attacks
- Excessively demanding or dependent behavior
- Refusing help and unwilling to respond to outreach
Physical Concerns:
- Excessive use or reliance on alcohol/other drugs
- Lack of personal hygiene or self-care (showering, room cleanliness)
- Extreme fatigue, exhaustion
- Unfocused, disjointed thinking – skips around a lot; unable to stay on topic
- Noticeable cuts, bruises, burns
- Frequent or chronic illness
- Disorganized speech, rapid speech
Steps You Can Take now Before/After Sharing Your Concerns:
- Talk to the Student: Share your concerns privately and objectively. Let them know you care about them. Ask them open questions and encourage a dialogue about possible first steps.
- Offer to Connect the Student Directly: Walk them to the office or person that can help, introduce them personally, and stay with them while they seek assistance. Also, you can email the service directly and include the student – make it a personal connection that the student will find easier to use.
- Follow-up with the Student: Set up a plan for checking in with the student – plan to meet later the next day or the next week.
- Let Us Help: Consult with the Dean of Students’ Office on resources.
What Happens Once A Referral Is Shared? Where Does the Referral Go?
Once a referral is submitted, it is shared with and reviewed by staff in Dean of Students’ Office. Depending on the circumstances, the referral may also be shared with other professional staff who will assist in providing support, such as, the CARE Team.
Will Someone Meet with the Student?
Based on the information provided, someone from the Dean of Students Office (or a campus partner) may reach out to the involved student directly. These meetings are designed to help the student navigate any additional difficulties they may be experiencing. Not all referrals result in a face-to-face meeting with the student.
Except in very rare circumstances involving student safety, we do not require that students respond to our offers of support. In most cases, we will attempt to contact the students several times using multiple methods. If a referral involves potential safety concerns for a student, staff will take additional steps to attempt to get in touch with the student.