GU-Q CARE Team (Campus Assessment, Response, and Evaluation)

Overview

The GU-Q CARE Team is a multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to promoting student well-being, safety, and success. The team provides coordinated support to students who are experiencing distress or exhibiting concerning behavior, using a centralized process for outreach, referrals, and case management.

The CARE Team evaluates each concern, identifies appropriate strategies for response, and designates the individuals or departments responsible for implementing those strategies. In doing so, the team exercises discretion while collaborating with relevant University offices and community resources to gather necessary information and determine effective interventions. These interventions, referred to as Care Action Plans, are designed to promote students’ academic success, personal wellness, and continued engagement in the university community. Depending on the case, one or more members of the CARE Team may be involved in carrying out the plan.

Mission

To foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive campus environment by:

• Identifying students of concern,
• Responding with compassion and coordination,
• Promoting holistic well-being,
• Encouraging a culture of care and connection.

What We Do

The CARE Team provides a proactive and collaborative approach to:

• Support students experiencing personal difficulties or exhibiting concerning behavior.
• Coordinate outreach and intervention among campus departments.
• Connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
• Monitor ongoing cases and ensure continuity of care.

This is not a disciplinary committee or a replacement for emergency services, but a supportive, non-punitive resource for early intervention.

When to Refer a Student

You should refer a student to the CARE Team if you notice any of the following:

• Behavioral or Emotional Concerns
• Excessive sadness, anxiety, or distress
• Mood swings or withdrawal from social contact
• Expressions of hopelessness or suicidal thoughts
• Academic Disruption or Decline
• Missed classes or assignments without explanation
• Significant drop in performance
• Noticeable disorganization or confusion
• Physical or Health-Related Issues
• Marked changes in appearance or hygiene
• Physical illness affecting engagement
• Safety and Well-Being Concerns
• Talk of self-harm or harm to others
• Disclosures of abuse or trauma
• Inappropriate or aggressive behavior

If you’re not sure whether something warrants a CARE referral, refer anyway. It’s better to share a concern than overlook a student in need.

How to Make a Referral

Anyone (faculty, staff, students, non GU-Q friends and family members) can submit a referral. Provide as much detail as possible. 

This referral form may be submitted anonymously. However, if you do not share your identity or contact information on your report, please know the CARE Team’s ability to take action on anonymous reports may be limited. It’s highly encouraged for reporting parties to identify themselves allowing the best support possible to be provided.

What Happens After a Referral?

Review – The CARE Team reviews the referral promptly and assesses the level of concern.

Outreach – A team member may reach out to the student to offer support and resources.

Response – The team develops a coordinated action plan that may include referrals to counseling, academic support, or other offices.

Follow-Up – The team monitors ongoing concerns and ensures continued support.

The student’s privacy and dignity are always respected throughout the process.

Meet the CARE Team

The CARE Team includes representatives from various departments who bring expertise in mental health, academic support, student life, and safety. Members may include professionals from:

Academic Affairs
Student Affairs
Office of Academic Services
Student Wellness and Counseling Center

Emergency Situations

If a student is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical/mental health intervention, do not use the CARE referral form. In Case of Emergency:

• Call Security:  Education City Emergency (on-campus) at 4454-0999
• Contact Mental Health Services: Student Wellness & Counseling Center (SWCC) 24/7 at 4457-8111
• Call Ambulance/Emergency Services in Qatar: 999

Then, submit a CARE referral after the situation is stabilized.

Confidentiality

The CARE Team takes student privacy seriously. Information shared with the CARE Team is treated with the highest degree of confidentiality permitted by law and University policy. Our goal is to help, not to punish or stigmatize.

Resources for Faculty and Staff

Recognizing Students in Distress – PDF Guide

How to Refer a Student to Counseling – Tip Sheet

Teaching Well-Being – Teaching Resources

Syllabus Statement Template

GU-Q CARE Team exists to help provide support and resources to students that are overwhelmed, experiencing significant distress, or possibly present some risk to themselves or others.  If I notice any signs of risk to self or others, I may speak with you individually, and will likely notify our CARE Team.  This does not mean a student is “in trouble;” rather, a trained person will likely reach out to that student to talk with them and determine how the university can support and connect them to resources.  Similarly, if any student in the class has a concern for the wellbeing of one self or of another student, please speak with me individually or any person can make a referral to the CARE Team via the GU-Q website. 

Contact Us

If you have questions about the CARE Team or would like to consult before making a referral, please contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Dr. Ken Grcich.