CARE Team
College should be challenging, not overwhelming. Let us help.
The CARE Team (Concern, Assessment, Response, Evaluation) is composed of multi-disciplinary professional staff who possess expertise in student affairs, counseling, disability services, public safety and civil rights. The CARE Team takes a collaborative approach to support the holistic well-being of students by providing on- and off-campus resources and interventions aimed at lowering risk.
In collaboration with members of the college community, the CARE Team strives to promote student well-being and success by:
- Increasing awareness of supportive resources available to students
- Addressing individual student cases referred to the CARE Team
- Connecting students with campus and/or community support and resources
- Serving as a resource for faculty, staff and students
The CARE Team does not replace classroom management, the Student Code of Conduct and/or Campus Police response to incidents. The CARE Team meets regularly to:
- Review and discuss reports shared with the Team
- Develop a coordinated plan to support students
- Connect students to services, support, and resources that address their holistic well-being and success
If there is an emergency, imminent danger and/or risk to health and safety, Dial 911. The call will be directed to the Springfield Police Department. Be prepared to answer questions and provide specific details. If this is a medical emergency, you may be directed to perform life saving techniques. Remain on the line unless unsafe to do so or until the dispatcher indicates that you may hang up.
When possible, connect the student directly to the holistic wraparound supports and resources that support student success. Many of these supports are listed in the “Student Support Quick Links” section of the STCC website.
When members of the college community identify and/or encounter students in distress, refer to the STCC Protocol for Student Crisis Intervention. This protocol is located on the Student Affairs STTCNet Page (login required). If designated staff for any of the protocol areas is not available, STCC Campus Police is always the back-up.
Members of the college community are encouraged to use the Reporting Options webpage for the following concerns:
- General Incident: Reporting potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
- Academic Dishonesty: Reporting alleged incidents of academic dishonesty.
- PAA/Title IX: The general STCC community and non-confidential employees should use this form to report concerns they have for a student who may be experiencing discrimination that violates the College’s Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity & Diversity (PAA) or sexual harassment under Title IX.
- Share-A-Concern: Please report any concern you may have about the physical, emotional, or social well-being of any STCC student. The report will be sent to the CARE Team for review and follow-up.
Due to confidentiality, individuals completing the reports may not be notified about the specific action or interventions implemented. Select “Email me a copy of this report” prior to hitting “Submit” for confirmation that the report has been submitted. In some cases, you may be contacted for clarification and/or further information.
Questions about the CARE Team can be directed to vpsa@stcc.edu.
Here are some of the many supports and resources that you’re encouraged share directly with students:
Student Support Quick Links: A directory of common student support pages on the STCC website. If you’re looking for a support or resource, you’ll likely find it here.
Campus & Community Resource Guide: A list of college, state and local resources to help students, individuals, and families in need of community assistance.
Center for Access Services: CAS provides students with a range of non-academic supports, including the Ram Mini Mart.
- Refer students to CAS by phone at (413) 755-5761, text at (413) 200-8776 or email at cas@stcc.edu.
- Ram Mini Mart: The Ram Mini Mart supports students' basic needs by offering groceries, personal hygiene products, and other basic household necessities for free.
Financial Literacy/Wellness: This free resource is here for students who want guidance navigating their financial journey; whether new or seasoned. Our Financial Literacy Coordinator can assist with creating budgets, savings plans, and short and long term financial goals; helping locate other financial resources on and off campus; and acting as an accountability partner to monitor success.
MassEducate and MassReconnect: Massachusetts residents can access community college for free - No tuition. No fees. Programs include an allowance for books and supplies for eligible students. For program requirements and guidelines, visit our Student FAQ page.
Uwill Student Mental Health and Wellness: The leading wellness solution for colleges and students, which provides FREE access to teletherapy. Students have an immediate, secure, and convenient way to receive online counseling services whenever. No insurance or payment is required. For more information and to get started with teletherapy, students should visit the Uwill website and use their STCC student email address to get started.
River Valley Counseling Center: STCC continues to partner with River Valley Counseling Center to provide counseling support to students. Any student needing emotional support and/or exhibiting signs of distress should first be directed to David Forton (phone: 413-755-4332 or email: dcforton@stcc.edu) for an initial screening/ intake. Active health insurance is required.
Alcohol & Other Drugs: This site includes resources, education and support.
Student Handbook & Code of Conduct: This site includes links to a variety of information and resources, including the college catalog and the student conduct of code.
Student Absence Notification Request: Students who will be absent for more than three consecutive days may request that a Student Absence Notification be sent to their faculty members.
Student Support Programs and Services: