Helpful Resources & Referring Students

Faculty, staff, and other students are often the first to identify that a student is struggling and are in a unique position to provide support due to their established relationship. Therefore, it may be helpful to understand how to assist students of concern in addition to referring to the Care Team.  If you would like guidance on having conversations with students, here are some suggestions: 

Speak to the student in a calm, compassionate manner. Talk to the student in private when there is sufficient time to not feel rushed or pressured. Eliminate distractions and provide your undivided attention. Express concerns clearly, in behavioral terms, and non-judgmentally.

Examples: “I noticed that you haven’t been participating in class like you used to”; “In your assignment you said that you were depressed, and I am concerned”; or “I heard you say that you don’t have enough food at home” 

Seek to understand and connect. Invite the student to speak openly.

Examples: “You seem different today, is there something you would like to talk about?”; “Is there something that’s bothering you?”; or “What do you think is preventing you from engaging in class discussions?”

Be as transparent as possible.  As mandated reporters, we have a responsibility as it relates to concerns about harm to self or others, and Title IX .  It is important to inform students of any situations that may require a report (find more information about sexual violence and Title IX reporting here: https://equity.buffalostate.edu/title-ix).

Example: “In my role as your instructor, I am required to report situations which may impact campus safety. I will do what I can to protect your privacy and would be happy to share exactly what I need to report in more detail.” 

It is helpful to the Care Team if students know to expect an outreach from the Care Team, so if you’re comfortable, let them know that you will reach out to us.

Example: “There is a team on campus which can provide extra support to students who are dealing with concerns like yours. I would like to connect you with them. This means that you will receive an email or phone call from the Care Team. It doesn’t mean that you are in trouble, and no one else will know about this or be told what’s going on.”

If you have a concern about a student is crisis, the Care Team is here to provide support.  We suggest that, if comfortable, you connect with the student and start the conversation about your concerns.  You can offer to help connect them with additional resources, including the Care Team. 

When you are ready to refer, complete a Care Team referral form and include as many details as possible. Consider the following:

• What specific concerns do you have?
• What conversations have you had with the student? 
• What resources or supports have you offered, and what was the student’s response?
• What is your desired outcome? (Consultation/advice, FYI, or direct intervention)

Please complete the referral form to the best of your ability with as many details as possible. If you have any questions or encounter any difficulty in submitting the form, please contact the Dean of Students at (716) 878-4618 or deanofstudents@buffalostate.edu. 

After you complete a referral, you will receive an automatic reply that your referral was submitted and a Care Team member may reach out to ask for additional information.  Your information will be kept anonymous, and the student will not be informed of who completed the referral; however, students can sometimes determine who completed the referral.  The Care Team case managers will collect information on student concerns and determine an appropriate support plan based on best practices outlined by NABITA. You will not be informed of the outcome due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) regulations. 

The Care Team referral process has temporarily changed. The Qualtrics form is included in the link below. If you have any questions or issues with the form, please reach out to the Dean of Students Office.  

Care Team Referral Form