CARES FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CARES? 

The CARES Team consists of representatives from across the campus to come together to discuss referrals from all over campus and find unique, positive outreaches to support student success. CARES is also set up to assess any referrals that involve behaviors that are disruptive or concerning in order to outreach the individuals involved to support community, safety, wellness and success. It provides “one stop” for communication about student and campus issues in real time.

Why did Kent State University at Stark start CARES? 

Kent State University at Stark prides itself in its commitment to student success in all forms. CARES was created as another avenue to assist students that may be struggling in ways that may fall outside of the roles of normal campus offices and still need assistance and support. The goal of CARES is to promote a campus that fosters academic and personal success.

Who is on the CARES Team? 

CARES is multi-disciplinary which means that representatives from a variety of campus offices are coming together in one place in order to get the best “big picture” of a referral. Current members include:

• Jim Biehl, Public Safety Manager
• Dr. Julie Cremeans-Smith, Associate Professor, Psychology
• Lisa Hart, Director of Academic Services
• Kelsey Kalgreen, Clinical Counselor
• Darcy McBride, Academic Services Coordinator
• Diane Walker, Director of Student Services

Is CARES confidential? 

All referrals and information discussed related to a referral is confidential to CARES. This means that the information is kept completely separate from academic records, does not have a physical paper trail, and is not accessible by any individual on the campus other than the members of CARES. The identities of individuals that submit a referral are kept confidential by the members of CARES; however once a referral moves to the outreach stage, it cannot be guaranteed that the individual outreached will not be able to determine the identity of the referral source. Keeping referrals confidential is important to each member of CARES in order to respect the privacy of all individuals involved and to allow individuals to feel comfortable in making a referral.

What behaviors should I refer to CARES? 

There are many types of situations and behaviors that you can refer to CARES. Appropriate referrals include behavior that is disruptive or distracting, as well as any concerns about an individual’s well-being, physical or mental health, or physical safety. Other appropriate referrals are concerns that do not appear to fit appropriately in to the roles of the established offices on campus.

Some examples would be:

• Erratic behavior that is distracting and/or disruptive to the learning environment, in the classroom or elsewhere on campus (including online activities)
• Violations of personal space both physically and via communications
• Implied or direct threat of harm to themselves or others
• The display of, or suggestive talk about, what is thought to be a weapon or something to be used for harm or disruption
• Physical or verbal confrontation or discomforting statements
• Stalking or harassment behavior towards a faculty member or student
• Bizarre or odd behavior
• Threatening, aggressive or hostile communications (verbal and/or electronic)
• Clearly noticeable changes in behavior, demeanor, dress, or personality from what was previously as “typical” for that individual.

How do I make a referral to CARES? 

There are two primary ways to make a referral to CARES.

1. *PREFERRED* Submit an online CARES Referral Form. When you complete the form, please fill in as much information and detail as you can as this will assist the CARES Team to evaluate the referral appropriately. 
2. Contact the CARES Team at 330-244-5047 to discuss a concern or referral.

You may be contacted by a member of CARES for further information about the referral if necessary. However, every effort will be made to keep the source of the referral confidential.

Will I know what happens with my referral? 

If you include your email address when you submit a referral to CARES, you will receive a confirmation email that your referral was received and will be reviewed. In some situations, you may be contacted by a CARES Team member for additional information. CARES will perform an outreach based on your referral without providing information about the outcome of that outreach, although there may be some situations in which you will remain involved as part of the outreach from the referral.