I Want to Refer a Student

Referring a Student? Here’s what that means.

If you are a CSU East Bay faculty, staff, or community member and notice a student going through a difficult time or demonstrating concerning behavior, there are ways to get the student help. Submitting a Care Report is one of the best ways to notify the staff on the Student Care Team that we need to take action to connect with a student. We rely on community support and care to help the CSU East Bay students in need succeed. 

What is a Care Report? 

A Care Report is a form that anyone can submit to notify the Student Care Team of a student of concern. The Care Report is reviewed by the staff on the Student Care Team, who will devise a plan of action on how to support the student. To learn more about how to identify students of concern, see below. 

Who can submit a Care Report? 

Any faculty, staff, student, parent, family, or community member who has a concern about a student and wants to connect them to additional support.

Can I submit a Care Report if I am concerned about a student’s behavior? 

Yes, please submit a Care Report to alert our Student Care Team. The report will be assigned to the most appropriate team member, who will reach out to the student. We will keep your identity as a reporter anonymous to the student. However, students are often more open to our outreach if you let them know that you submitted a referral to get them help. Students will be offered an assessment and support services, although they have the right to decline.

How to Identify a Student of Concern

If you are unsure if a student is in distress, here are some signs to pay attention to that might indicate they need support: 

Physical Signs

  • Poor personal hygiene 
  • Change in appetite; rapid weight loss or gain
  • Agitation or restlessness
  • Recurring physical complaints
  • Signs of chronic fatigue, like consistently falling asleep in class

Psychological Signs

  • Delusions, hallucinations, or paranoia
  • Guilt or worthlessness
  • Sad, anxious, or empty mood 
  • Sudden or inappropriate mood swings
  • Thoughts/comments about self-harm or suicide 

Change In Behavior    

  • Withdrawal or isolation
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
  • Increased alcohol or substance use 
  • Irritability or anger 
  • Increased absences or late arrival to class/work  

Unmet Basic Needs

  • Housing insecurity
  • Food insecurity
  • Financial struggles
  • Need for medical services

If you want to better understand any of these signs of distress in students, please visit the Counseling Services website to learn more about intervention strategies beyond submitting a Care Report: Helping Students in Distress.

Want to learn more about the Student Care Team?  Jump to their website here.