CARE Team

Campus Assessment, Referral, and Evaluation

The Upstate CARE (Campus Assessment, Referral, and Evaluation) Team supports the safety, health, and well-being of all students, faculty and staff.  Its goal is to provide a structured, positive method for addressing student behaviors that may adversely affect the community and other students, or may involve mental health and safety issues.

Submit an "R U OK?" / Student CARE Team Referral

Anyone who feels a student is a risk to herself/himself/themselves or the community can make a CARE Team referral. When an "R U OK?" or Student Affairs Reporting Form is received, the CARE Team assesses the report and formulates a response.  The response may include referrals to university resources that support the well-being and safety of students.

If you are concerned about someone’s health, well-being, or safety, submit a referral at "R U OK?" or call the Division of Student Affairs at 864-503-5107 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm.  Non-emergency referrals submitted after 5 pm will not be received until the next business day). 

Submit an R U OK? Referral

In the event of an emergency, contact Upstate University Police Department at 803-503-7777 or call 911 or the After-Hours Crisis Line at 864-503-5195, Option #2.

When to register a CARE Team Referral

If you have witnessed self-injurious behaviors
  • Suicide attempt or talking about suicide
  • Illegal drug use
  • Disordered eating
  • Self-harming behaviors
  • Emotional distress
If you have witnessed concerning behaviors
  • Substance abuse
  • Unusual behavior
  • Victimization
  • Grief or Intense Loss
  • Emotional distress

Signs or Signals to Consider Before a CARE Team Referral

Physical signs
  • Significant changes in energy
  • Frequent state of intoxication
  • Significant weight loss
  • Worrisome changes in hygiene
  • Noticeable cuts, bruises and burns
  • Sleeping in class or at other inappropriate time
Emotional signs
  • Inappropriate emotional outbursts
  • Direct statements indicating distress
  • Expressions of hopelessness or suicide
  • Peer concerns for another student
  • Exaggerated personality traits (more withdrawn or animated than usual)
Academic signs
  • Deterioration in academic work
  • Disorganized or concerning performance
  • Repeated absences and missed assignments
  • Ranting or threatening emails
  • Continual seeking of special provisions or permissions

For general academic concerns, refer to the Upstate Student Success Center