Faculty and Staff Resources

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Tips for Recognizing Troubled Students

“Every student matters. Every sign counts. Your awareness can be their turning point.”

Understanding the CARE Team’s Scope of Practice

The CARE Team provides non-clinical case management and coordinated support for students experiencing personal, academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges that may impact their well-being or success at UTA.

The CARE Team does not provide counseling, medical care, conduct investigations, or emergency response services. Instead, we assess concerns, connect students with appropriate campus and community resources, coordinate support, and collaborate with university partners.

Please view the CARE Team's Scope of Practice to better understand the types of concerns we address, our role in supporting students, and when to partner with other campus resources. If you are unsure whether a concern falls within the CARE Team's scope, we encourage you to submit a referral or contact us for consultation.

CARE Team's Scope of Practice

Three Tiers of Student Distress: What to Know and How to Help

Mild Concerns

  • Changes in academic performance
  • Change in pattern of interaction
  • Changes in physical appearance
  • Problems concentrating and remembering things or making decisions
  • Significant life adjustment/change
  • General injuries

Elevated Concerns

  • Repeated request for special consideration
  • Behavior which pushes the limits and may interfere with class or be disruptive 
  • Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
  • Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
  • High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement
  • Experiencing a significant life event (i.e., sexual assault, potential trauma impacts, witnessing crimes, witnessing deaths, etc.)

Critical Concerns

  • Hospitalizations or medical transports for mental health
  • Statements related to death or dying or feelings of hopelessness
  • Threats of harming self or harming others
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Highly disturbed behavior
  • Outbursts of anger
  • Inability to communicate clearly
  • Irrational conversation or speech that seems disconnected
  • Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
  • Suspiciousness, irrational feelings of persecution

What Can You Do To Help?

  • Choose the right time and place: Talk to the student in a private setting where you both have time to engage without distractions.
  • Express concern with care: Use calm, non-judgmental language to share what you've observed and why you're concerned.
  • Listen actively: Give the student your full attention. Reflect back what you’re hearing to ensure understanding and show empathy.
  • Explore available options: Help the student identify possible resources or steps they can take to address the situation.
  • Clarify pros and cons: Discuss the potential benefits and challenges of each option from the student’s perspective.
  • Honor their values: Respect the student’s beliefs, cultural background, and decision-making process.
  • Ask directly about suicide: If you suspect the student may be thinking about suicide, don’t be afraid to ask. Clear, compassionate questioning can save lives.
  • Refer when needed: If the situation is beyond your ability to help, connect the student with appropriate campus or community resources.
  • Follow up: Ensure the student understands what steps to take next, and plan to check in with them afterward to show continued support.
     
  • Stay calm and composed. Your presence and demeanor can help de-escalate the situation. 
  • Ensure the student is not left alone. If possible, have someone stay with them while you seek help.
  • Contact 911 or UTA Police immediately at 817-272-3003 if the situation is life-threatening.
 

Referring a Student to the CARE Team

If a student’s behavior goes beyond typical classroom challenges and indicates signs of distress, the CARE Team is here to help. Our team will assess the situation and determine the most appropriate support plan for the student.

  • How to Make a Referral:
    • Contact a CARE Team representative with the student’s name and a brief description of the concerning behavior.
    • If you’re worried about a student but haven’t witnessed any specific behavior, please share your concerns in as much detail as possible.
    • To help you recognize and respond appropriately to concerning behavior, we’ve included two valuable resources.
  • What Happens Next:
    • The CARE Team meets weekly throughout the year to review referrals.
    • If a situation is urgent, an emergency meeting may be called at the discretion of the CARE Team co-chairs.
    • Before any meeting, team members will review available information within their respective areas to better understand the student’s situation.
       

Please know that the CARE Team is here to support students and the UTA community. All referrals are handled with professionalism and care to ensure students receive the help they need.

Refer a Student to CARE Team

Responding to Suicidal Statements or Behavior

Any mention of suicide—whether it's a direct statement, threat, or attempt—should always be taken seriously. A trained mental health professional should assess the situation to determine the level of risk and the appropriate response.

Remember, a suicide attempt is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. If there is an imminent risk of harm to the student or others:

  1. Stay calm

  2. Call 911 or UTA Police at 817-272-3003 immediately

  3. Submit a CARE Team Referral. Please keep in mind that CARE referrals are monitored during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between 8 am and 5 pm.

Your quick action could save a life.

TO SAVE A LIFE - REMEMBER QPR

(QUESTION, PERSUADE, AND REFER)

Question the person about suicide

Persuade the person to get help

Refer for help

Quick Links

CARE Team Referral Process Flyer

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CARE Team Referral Process