How to Help Others

Referring a Student to the CARE Team

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.

Responding to Suicidal Concerns

When a student makes any reference to suicide, the threat of suicide, or an 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.

To Save a Life, Remember QPR (Question, Persuade, and Refer)

• Question the person about suicide
• Persuade the person to get help
• Refer for help 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.

Tips for Recognizing Students in Distress

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.

Who is a Distressed Individual?

• An individual who makes threats of physical harm to you, others, or themselves.
• An individual who behaves in a bizarre manner or exhibits unstable behavior patterns.
• An individual who appears to be intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance.
• An individual who exhibits a weapon.

Communicating with Distressed Individuals

• Express your authority with non-verbal cues ... be confident in your approach.
• Sit or stand erect.
• Make direct eye contact with the individual.
• Conduct yourself in a serious manner.
• Speak clearly and distinctively.
• Utilize your reflective listening skills.

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

What Can You Do to Help

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.,

Responses to Level 1 and 2 Behavior Responses to Level 3 Behavior