Intro - Care Team

The CARE (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation) Team supports the safety, well-being, and academic success of students.

The Care Team was created to:

  • Coordinate care and support services for students in need.
  • Promote student well-being and safety.
  • Identify and address concerning behaviors early.
  • Foster a supportive campus environment grounded in our Catholic values.
Recognize, Respond, Refer, Report

UST faculty and staff are asked to Recognize, Respond, Refer, and Report concerning student behavior.  The below guide may be used as a resource when:

  • Helping students
  • Identifying students in distress
  • Working with troubled students
  • Knowing where to refer students for help when they need it
  • Ensure your safety; use a calm, non-confrontational approach
  • Meet privately (if no perceived safety concerns) and allow sufficient time to meet
  • Contact USTPD at 713-525-3888 or 911 if a student expresses a direct threat to self or others, or acts in a bizarre, highly irrational and disruptive way, or if the situation seems to be escalating
  • Listen through the anger and acknowledge the feelings of the individual
  • Allow the person to vent and tell you what is upsetting to them; stay silent until they are done
  • Set limits; explain clearly and directly what behaviors are acceptable: “I will be willing to speak with you as soon as you lower your voice”
  • Be firm, steady, consistent, and honest; clearly express your concerns focusing on the behavior in non-disparaging terms
  • Ask directly if the student has thoughts about hurting him/herself or others; it’s okay to ask
  • Respect the student’s privacy without making false promises of confidentiality
  • Recommend services and provide direct referrals; assist student in contacting resources
  • Frame any decision to seek and accept help as an intelligent choice
  • Make sure the student understands the necessary actions
  • Encourage and assist student to make and keep an appointment
  • Make personal referrals: call ahead to brief CWS, walk the student over to CWS
  • Reports can be made directly to the Care Team, Dean of Students, Counseling and Wellness Services, Human Resources, your Department Chair, and/or Academic Dean.
Sexual Assault and Title IX

All University of St. Thomas employees are obligated to report knowledge of sexual assault of a student to the Title IX Coordinator for Students at 713-525-3570, by email deanofstudents@stthom.edu, or by filling out the Sexual Misconduct report. This is mandated by the Clery Act and Title IX. Anonymous reporting is available; however, the University’s response may be limited if the report does not include identifying information and/or a description of the facts and circumstances.

For more information, visit Sexual Assault Prevention and Support and Title IX.
Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions

A number of factors influence the response to disruptive behavior. The University outlines guidelines for faculty to use as appropriate. These guidelines do not constitute a fixed procedure; they should be pursued according to your assessment of the situation.

Section 3 of the Academic Standards, Subsection J states, “A faculty member has the right to require that students observe reasonable norms of conduct and good manners in class. Smoking, eating and drinking by students or faculty are not permitted in classrooms and laboratories. Any breach of discipline in the classroom and/or inappropriate classroom behavior will be reported to the Vice President for Engagement and Student Affairs and the Dean of the school, so that the behavior may be addressed through the conduct process.”

It is important to report concerning behavior for continued monitoring of the student not only in your classroom but throughout campus. Behavior of concern may also be reported to deanofstudents@stthom.edu or online at www.stthom.edu/dos.

If the concern involves threat of harm to self or others, contact USTPD (713) 525-3888, if it is an emergency or, in non-crisis situations, report it to the Care Team at careteam@stthom.edu. Please remember, when alleged or suspected discrimination, sexual harassment (including sexual violence) or retaliation is experienced or observed by or made known to an employee, the employee is responsible for reporting that information to the respective Title IX Coordinator.

Even when there is no threat of harm, it is suggested you involve others when a conversation or interaction with a student causes concern. You may find it helpful to discuss this with your department head or supervisor. The Counseling and Wellness Services Office can be reached at (713) 525-2169 or the Dean of Students at (713) 525-3570.

Depending on the nature of the report/referral, a staff member from the Dean of Students Office may contact you to verify report details or to discuss the incident. However, due to confidentiality for all involved, you may not be notified of the outcome. Please know that if a report is sent to the Dean of Students, or others, it will be fully investigated.

Prioritize your safety if you think a student could potentially pose a threat. If you have reason to believe through behaviors or direct threats that a student may harm you, consider a safe escape path or removing yourself from the interaction. While we want to keep others safe around us and have a responsibility to intervene when we come across disruptive behaviors, our own personal safety is paramount.