The Student CARE Team

CARE Team is a network of Wittenberg faculty and staff who meet regularly to identify, monitor, and, if necessary, provide integrated and intentional support for students.

The purpose of CARE Team is to support student persistence and increase linkages to support resources. CARE Team also serves as a resource for the campus community who may want to consult regarding a student situation.

Working together to respect privacy and best supporting the student

Wittenberg University recognizes and respects students' right to privacy and follows all state and federal laws such as FERPA. If the student referred to CARE is already receiving care at the Wittenberg University Counseling Center, the Wittenberg University Center for Health and Wellness, Violence Prevention and Response or an outside mental health provider, information about that student’s relationship may not be obtained by the team from those agencies without written authorization from the student, in accordance with federal and state law.

However, our first priority is students' safety and well-being. Members of the CARE team are highly trained to only share information with other offices when it is in the best interest of supporting the student.

Members:

  • Chair: Jon Duraj, Assistant Vice President for Student Development and Senior Associate Dean of Students
  • Sigrun Olafsdottir, Interim Director, Financial Aid
  • Ellen Crosbie, Head Athletic Trainer/Director of Sport Performance
  • Jenna Unterseher, Associate Registrar
  • Lee McCartney, Lieutenant, Campus Police Department
  • Vacant, Director of the McClain Center for Diversity
  • Mary Zimmerman, Associate Director for Accessibility Services
  • Jay Owen, Men's Lacrosse Head Coach
  • Gwen Owen, Associate Dean & Director of Residence Life
  • Brooke Snow, Assistant Director of Student Counseling, Counseling Center
  • Robin Schreck, Director of Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
  • Grace Sever, Director of Academic Services
  • Drew Sawyer, Senior Associate Director of Student Success
  • Michael Mattison, Associate Provost
  • Tracy Pashke-Johannes, University Pastor
  • Brie Waszkiewicz, Area Coordinator, Residence Life
  • Mellie Derry, Area Coordinator, Residence Life

Ad-hoc Members

  • Matthew West, Director of Student Counseling
  • Jade Jones, Director of Student Involvement and Fraternity Sorority Life
  • Casey Gill, Vice President for Student Development, Dean of Students
  • Depending on the nature of the situation, other offices may be consulted

Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)

    Members:

    • Chair: Casey Gill, Vice President for Student Development, Dean of Students
    • Robin Schreck, Director of Student Conduct & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
    • Jim Hutchins, Chief of Police
    • Lee McCartney, Lieutenant, Police Department
    • Matthew West, Director of Student Counseling
    • Jon Duraj, Senior Associate Dean of Students
    • Gwen Owen, Associate Dean for Residence Life
    • Depending on the nature of the situation, other offices may be consulted.

    Resources for faculty and staff

    You often get the first glimpse of students in trouble, and you may be the first person a student turns to for help. Responding can be confusing and overwhelming. The Faculty/Staff Student Care Guide was prepared to help you.

    Information You Should Know

    It’s difficult to be mindful of all the things going on around you. But there are often many outward signs that a student is in distress. Knowing what to notice, what to do and what to avoid could be the lifeline your student needs to get help. Additionally, reporting ‘odd’ behavior that causes you concern may just be one more piece of a larger puzzle that the Student Care Team needs to provide that student with assistance.

    Be mindful of a/an:

    • Anxious student
    • Demanding student
    • Depressed student
    • Suicidal student
    • Severely disoriented or psychotic student
    • Aggressive or potentially violent student

    What to do:

    • Remain calm and in control.
    • Respond to disruptive behavior quickly and with firm limits.
    • Move students to a quiet and secure place.
    • Listen attentively and respond in a considerate and straight forward manner.
    • Make arrangements for appropriate University intervention.
    • Be knowledgeable in advance about referral systems.

    What to avoid:

    • Overwhelming or arguing with a student.
    • Ignoring behavior that is having an impact on other students.

    Report A Concern About A Student

    • Have you observed something in someone that has you worried?
    • Have you seen a classmate or hall mate begin to act differently? Strangely?
    • You don’t know who to ask about it or you just want someone to know.

    There are a number of ways to report it, below are few ways:

    1. File a student conduct report
    2. File a concerning behavior report
    3. File a Report Form for Incidents of Sex Discrimination, Misconduct, Relationship Violence and/or Stalking
    4. Call the counseling center at 937-327-7811
    5. Consult with the Dean of Students or the Student Development staff member on-call

    *Please note, these are NOT emergency reporting mechanisms. This information may not be accessed for up to 48 hours.

    If you have an immediate campus safety issue, please call Wittenberg Police at 937-327-6363.

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