The University of North Texas cares about our students' success, not only academically, but emotionally and physically. Because of our commitment, we provide literally hundreds of departments and services across campus that respond to our students' unique needs. But sometimes, students do not ask for help when they need it. So in an effort to identify those students proactively, UNT has created a network of professionals from across campus that are committed to a caring, confidential program of identification, intervention and response in order to provide our students with the greatest chance of success and our community with the greatest level of protection.
UNT believes it is important to foster an environment that encourages students to maintain a standard of responsibility for self-care which includes the ability to respond adequately to one's emotional, physical, and educational needs. Some students who are distressed engage in behaviors that compromise their own welfare, as well as the welfare of the university community.
The presence of demonstrated distress, disruptive or dangerous student behavior can be a predictor of future harm to self, others, and the larger UNT community. While we acknowledge that no one can predict with any degree of confidence whether a student will eventually progress to acts that are harmful to themselves or others, there are behaviors indicative of higher risk. These behaviors may require further assessment by appropriate professionals to promote the safety of the student and UNT community.
We created this website to accomplish the following:
If you have any questions or concerns for the CARE Team about a student or an incident, contact a CARE Team Chair or another member.
The mission of the CARE Team is to:
The CARE Team is one of several resources available to the campus community to address these concerns. Other offices with similar purposes include Dean of Students, Counseling and Testing Services, UNT Police Department, and the Office of Disability Accommodation.
Department | Phone Number | CARE Representative (if applicable) |
---|---|---|
Student Affairs—Dean of Students (Chair) | (940) 565-2648 | Dr. Maureen McGuinness |
Counseling and Testing Services | (940) 565-2741 | Dr. Tamara Knapp-Grosz |
DOS/Conduct | (940) 565-2648 or (940) 565-2039 |
Robert Braswell |
Equity and Diversity | ||
Graduate Studies | (940) 565-2383 | |
Housing & Residence Life | (940) 565-2610 | Gina Vanacore |
Human Resources | (940) 565-2281 | Katy McDaniel |
International Education | (940) 565-2197 | |
Office of Disability Access | (940) 565-4323 | |
Provost's Office | Dr. Mike McPherson | |
Student Health & Wellness Center | ||
Student Legal Services | ||
UNT Police | (940) 565-3000 | Chief Ed Reynolds |
The CARE Team is a collaborative interdisciplinary committee of University officials that meets regularly to discuss students exhibiting behaviors indicative of high risk.
To refer a student to the CARE Team, you can file an online report at report.unt.edu regarding the student’s information and a brief narrative of the behavior. If you are concerned about a student, but have not witnessed any distressing or disruptive behavior, please explain your concern in detail.
Once the CARE Team receives a referral, a UNT staff member will reach out to the student within one business day. The staff member will connect the student to the appropriate support services and resources. The staff member will follow-up with the reporting party as needed. For any questions, the CARE Team representatives can be reached during business hours by calling the Dean of Students Office at (940) 565-2648 or emailing deanofstudents@unt.edu.
A crisis or emergency involving a UNT student should be reported to the UNT Police Department by calling 911 or (940) 565-3000.
At one time or another everyone feels upset or distressed. However, there are three levels of student distress which, when present over a period of time, suggest that the problems are more than the "normal" ones.
NOTE: If at any time you feel there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others, the UNT Police Department should be contacted at (940) 565-3000.
When a student makes any reference to suicide, threat of suicide, or attempt at suicide, a judgment should be made by a mental health professional about the seriousness of a possible suicidal thought or behavior. Suicide attempts are first and foremost a medical emergency. If danger or suicidal behavior appears imminent: 1) Stay calm and 2) Contact Campus Police at 940-565-3000 or dial 911.
When a student's behavior goes beyond the normal classroom disturbances and appears distressed, you can contact the CARE Team for assistance. We will evaluate the circumstances and determine the appropriate plan of action for the student.
To refer a student to the CARE Team, you can contact any CARE Team representative with the name of the student and a brief narrative of their behavior. If you are concerned about a student, but have not witnessed any distressing or disruptive behavior, please explain your concern in detail.
The CARE Team meets regularly throughout the year, and will review your referral at the next meeting. If a situation requires immediate attention, an emergency CARE Team meeting can be called at the determination of a CARE Team chair. All the representatives will have the opportunity to investigate any other information available about the student through their appropriate discipline prior to the meeting. Be assured that the CARE Team exists to care for our students, and will handle your referral in a professional manner in an effort to best meet the needs of the UNT community and our students.