KARE Team

Kutztown University KARE Team

• Mission

  Kutztown University takes a Kindhearted and knowledgeable, Action-oriented approach to review and Respond to Elevated student concerns through the KARE Team.
   
  The KARE Team acts through personalized intervention strategies for referred students that address their distinct academic, emotional, behavioral and/or personal circumstances. Through a collaborative, student-centered approach, tailored support is provided that prioritizes both the well-being and success of the student and the safety and welfare of the entire campus community.

• Student of concern review process

  A key factor in the success of the KARE Team is the centralized reporting of student concerns. The process is outlined below:

  1. A member of the campus community identifies a student of concern.
  2. The concern is reported by submitting the Student of Concern Referral Form.
  3. The Assistant Dean of Students or assigned case manager through the Office of Student Assistance, conducts a preliminary review and gathers relevant information, including outreach to the student, to assess the need for intervention. This may include a referral to campus or community resources. The initial findings and actions will be shared at the next scheduled KARE Team meeting.
  4. If an urgent situation arises, the Assistant Dean of Students may convene the KARE Team immediately to review the facts and determine appropriate next steps.
  5. The team—or the Assistant Dean of Students acting independently—may:
     • Assign the case to a KARE team member or case manager through the Office of Student Assistance (if one has not been assigned already) for further action,
     • Identify and involve additional campus resources, or
     • Recommend immediate action if a health or safety risk is present.
  6. A comprehensive record of all information and actions taken will be securely maintained by the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Signs a student may need support

  At times, all college students experience stress, anxiety, being overwhelmed or other concerning matters. However, when these feelings and/or matters persist or begin to impact daily functioning, it may indicate a deeper concern that requires additional support.

  The Kutztown University KARE Team is committed to early identification and coordinated care for students experiencing difficulties. As a faculty member, staff member, or peer, you may be in a unique position to notice when something is wrong—whether through clear behaviors or a gut feeling that something is not quite right. Trust your instincts. Reaching out or simply checking in with the student can make a meaningful difference.

  Possible Signs of Concern

  While any one behavior may not be cause for alarm, patterns or combinations of the following signs may indicate a student is struggling and in need of support.

  Academic Concerns

  • Sudden decline in academic performance or participation
  • Missed assignments, exams
  • Frequent absences or stops attending class all together
  • Disorganized or erratic academic work
  • Lack of engagement or motivation in class
  • Repeated requests for special accommodations (e.g., extensions, makeup work)
  • Concerning or excessive email communication
  • Unusual or inappropriate content in academic work

   

  Emotional Concerns

  • Expressions of hopelessness, fear, or worthlessness
  • References to death, suicide, or self-harm in conversation or written work
  • Emotional outbursts (e.g., crying, yelling)
  • Mood swings or exaggerated emotional responses
  • Withdrawal from typical social or academic engagement

   

  Behavioral Concerns

  • Falling asleep in class or appearing frequently fatigued
  • Noticeable changes in energy level (high or low)
  • Inappropriate or erratic behavior in academic or social settings
  • Peer reports of concern about the student’s behavior or well-being

   

  Personal Circumstances

  • Direct disclosures of significant family, financial, or personal challenges
  • Visible injuries such as cuts, bruises, or burns
  • Noticeable decline in hygiene or self-care
  • Significant changes in physical appearance (e.g., weight loss/gain)

  • Signs of food insecurity (e.g., mentioning skipping meals, asking about food resources)
  • Housing insecurity (e.g., couch-surfing, living in car, staying in unsafe environments)
  • Lack of access to essential resources (e.g., transportation, internet, clothing, medical care)
  • Financial distress impacting ability to continue at KU or meet daily needs
  • Substance misuse potentially linked to coping with unmet needs

  
  What You Can Do

  If you notice any of these signs—or simply feel that something isn’t right—consider speaking with the student and submitting a Student of Concern Referral Form.

  Remember:

  • You do not need to determine the appropriate next steps alone. Student support is a community effort.
  • A single serious sign (e.g., expressions of hopelessness) or a combination of smaller concerns (e.g., absences, emotional outbursts, self-injury) warrants attention. Please submit a  Student of Concern Referral Form.

  
  If you’re unsure whether a situation calls for a KARE Team referral, submit a  Student of Concern Referral Form and/or contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 610-683-1396 or kareteam@kutztown.edu to consult with a staff member.

  
  In an emergency or when there is an immediate threat to the student or others, call KU Public Safety & Police Services at 610-683-4001.

• How to help a student in need

  If you decide to help, then do it with HEART: 

  Hear

  • Stop what you're doing and really listen to what the student is saying.

  
  Empathize 

  • Acknowledge what you have heard and let the student know you understand.
  • Express concern and interest.
  • Avoid criticizing or sounding judgmental.
  • Remember, even if the problem does not seem real to you, it may be very important to the student.

  
  Assess

  • Ask the student, "What have you thought about doing?"
  • Discuss the pros and cons of different courses of action.
  • Don't expect to have all the answers.

  
  Refer

  • Be honest about your concerns and limitations.
  • The student may need professional help.
  • Do not agree to be secretive about the student's circumstances.
  • Help the student find appropriate resources.
  • Offer to go with the student to talk with a professional.

  
  Tell

  • Do not ignore comments about suicide, violence, or harm to others.
  • Seek professional assistance.

  * adapted from Fairleigh Dickinson University
  
  

  In cases where a student's behavior poses an imminent threat to themself or others, contact KU Public Safety & Police Services immediately at 610-683-4001.

• Campus resources

  Office of Student Conduct	610-683-1320	119 Stratton Admin Center
  Public Safety & Police Services	610-683-4001	Old Main I-Wing
  Counseling Center	610-683-4072	First Floor, Beck Hall
  Health & Wellness Services	610-683-4082	First Floor, Beck Hall
  Disability Services	610-683-4108	215 Stratton Admin Center
  LGBTQ+ Resource Center	484-646-4111	Boxwood House
  Women's Center	610-683-4655	Boxwood House