MPTC Cares

To support our faculty, employees and students, Moraine Park has introduced a CARES team. CARES stands for the Campus Assessment Response and Evaluation team. The team is responsible for assessing, evaluating, intervening and responding to reports of individuals who present concerning behavior towards themselves or others and may benefit from campus and community services.

The CARES team meets regularly to review any referrals and create a plan of action as needed to support the student. Other support resources are pulled in as necessary.

There are a few things that the CARES team is not.

• It is not a substitute for strong classroom management.
• It is not for immediate threats. If there are immediate concerns, contact Security or 911.
• It is not for health-related emergencies. If there is an emergency, contact 911.

All employees can use the Student Behavioral Referral form. When the form is reviewed, if it is a Conduct issue, it remains with the Director of Student Development to proceed with the student conduct process. If it is a CARES issue, it is pushed to the CARES team.

In addition, faculty have the option to choose Behavior/Conduct through the Internal Referral System. This links to the same Student Behavioral Referral Form.

We know there are gray areas when working with students. The most important thing is that it is reported. We will get the referral to the right place. It is important to note any referral is part of the official student record. When reporting a student, you must keep the information factual.

Here are some general examples you may see.

• Behavior/Conduct: You may see behavior that interferes with the educational process; endangers the safety or welfare of other students or employees; or violates the Student Code of Conduct. You may see behavior or engagement that has changed. This may also include showing signs of lethargy or hyperactivity; social withdrawal; behaviors outside of social norms; deterioration in personal hygiene; or reports of having been previously victimized or bullied.
• Life/Personal Issues: Student may share they have had a death or illness in family, anxiety or depression, self-reported mental health concerns, self-esteem concerns; or be expressing feelings of rejection.

Student can also refer other students that they have concerns about, using the same form on myMPTC Student.