Care Concerns

William & Mary cares about the well-being of students. When students experience significant challenges impacting their wellbeing, we can help. Faculty, staff, and fellow students may refer students by submitting a care concern.

SUBMIT A CARE CONCERN

For all other reports (hazing, Title IX, free speech, etc.), go to Report Concerns or Violations.

What are Care Concerns?

The care concern system provides outreach, supports, and services to students who are experiencing significant challenges.

Care concerns are NOT for crisis response nor mental health triage. For emergency situations, please call 911 prior to submitting a care concern. For mental health support, including after-hours Emergency Services, please call the W&M Counseling Center at 757-221-3620.

Please note that care concerns:

are not confidential and should include factual information as this information may be disclosed to the student in order to best assess and support their concerns
should include observable behaviors and direct quotes (if applicable)

{{youtube:large:center|VTM6nqGafnU, Let's Talk about Care Concerns! Narrated version available in right side column.}}

When to Submit a Care Concern

We encourage members of the community to submit a care concern if there is a significant concern about a student’s wellbeing.

Faculty should submit a care concern in situations like these.

When a student:

Demonstrates significant changes in behavior
Demonstrates disruptive, distressed and/or dangerous behavior
Expresses significant personal or family problems in conversation, emails, or assignments
Has experienced a death/significant illness of a family member or friend
Has been hospitalized, injured, or is experiencing a significant illness
Is engaging in substance abuse
Has indicated severe resource insecurity (housing, food, or any other basic needs)
Excessive absences without communication
And, when you have any significant concerns about a student’s wellbeing or safety.

Students should submit a care concern in situations like these.

When you or another student:

Are demonstrating significant changes in behavior or disruptive, distressed and/or dangerous behavior
Have experienced a death/significant illness of a family member or friend
Have been hospitalized, injured, or is experiencing a significant illness
Are engaging in substance abuse
Have indicated severe resource insecurity (housing, food, or any other basic needs)
And, when you have any significant concerns about a student’s wellbeing or safety.

What Happens when a Care Concern is Submitted

Concerns are monitored throughout the day and assigned according to severity and nature.

In most cases, submitting a care concern will result in a staff member reaching out to the student. We encourage you to be intentional in submitting these concerns.

Collaboration: As you submit a care concern, please know that we are also available to partner with you to come up with creative solutions to complex situations in the residence halls, classroom, and the larger community. We provide coaching, facilitated dialogue, and workshops. We encourage you to reach out to us for guidance and support as you navigate these challenging moments.

Contact Us

If you are unsure if you should fill out a care concern, or have questions about what happens if you do submit, feel free to contact Care Support Services at [[care]] or call 757-221-2511.

If you have questions about ongoing case management, contact Care Support Services at [[care]] or call 757-221-2511.