Student Care FAQs
What is the role of the Student Care Team?
The Care Team is made up of staff and faculty that respond to concerns from the Westmont Community about a student's behavior or concern. The Care Team follows a review process to address the reported concerns at regularly scheduled meetings or, if necessary, at special meetings. The goal is to resolve concerns through a course of action that takes into account the interests of the student and of the college community.
The team includes representatives from the Counseling Center, Health Services, Public Safety, Student Life, Residence Life, Disability Services and the Registrar's office. Members of the team are trained to address a broad range of student needs. The team will explore various options and strategies to address concerns and provide appropriate guidance and resource referrals to address the particular situation.
Why should I notify the Student Care Team of my concerns?
An important way for the Westmont community to feel connected is to create opportunities for caring and expressing concern. The Care Team provides a central resource to anyone who is concerned about an individual and may not be sure how best to help. When you submit information online, campus and community support networks may be accessed, optimizing the opportunity for students to receive needed assistance. Submit a Student Care Report if you are concerned about a student and want to help.
What concerns can I report?
Examples of behaviors or general concerns that might alert members of the Westmont community to initiate an online report include, but are not limited to the following:
-
Struggling academically in class
-
Finding it difficult to relate to roommates or living situation
-
Extreme disorganization or erratic performance in class
-
Angry or hostile outbursts, visibly upset
-
Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
-
Written or artistic expression of unusual violence or despair
-
Being more withdrawn or animated than usual
-
Noticeable cuts, bruises, or burns
-
Essays or papers that focus on suicide or death
-
Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion
-
Multiple absences
-
Student shares something with you that you believe would be good for Residence Life to support them in (i.e. Death of parent or roommate conflict)
-
Student shares something with you that would be beneficial if other supports were provided (ex. depressed or self-harm)
-
Sexual assault. Department Chairs and Supervisors are mandated reporters.
How do I contact the Student Care Team?
Any Westmont faculty, staff, or student may report their concerns using the online Student Care Report, which will be processed during normal business hours, Monday - Friday (8AM-5PM). If the online report form is posted after hours, the matter will not be addressed until the following business day. All forms will be received by Stu Cleek, Dean of Students.
Is it possible to remain anonymous?
The team will, to the extent possible, respect the wishes of reporters concerning their anonymity. However, there may be situations where the identity of the reporter will need to be disclosed or will become apparent because of the actions taken to address the situation.
Will my report be confidential?
Requests for confidentiality will be respected and maintained when possible. However, the primary goal of the Care Team is to ensure the safety and well-being of the student and the college community, and as a result confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
How soon will my report be read by a member of the Student Care Team?
Your report will be read the next working day. Stu Cleek, Dean of Students, will determine whether the report can wait to be addressed at the next regularly scheduled meeting. If it requires more immediate action, appropriate actions will be taken.