Care Team
The WPI Care Team is a group of WPI staff members who address the safety, welfare, and academic success of students. The CARE Team includes representatives from across the institution, with a focus on reaching out to students whose behavior has in some way come to the attention of others. The goal of the team is to provide resources, connections, and support to students who may be facing challenges or are at-risk. Collaboration across departments is crucial to supporting students in refocusing on personal well-being and academic success. The CARE team handles situations with discretion while following the University privacy policies.
I'm Concerned About a Student...
If a faculty, staff member, student, community member, or parent/guardian/family member notices that a student’s behavior is distressed, disruptive, or unsafe or generally concerning, they’re encouraged to notify the Care Team through the form below.
Please note this form is NOT monitored 24/7. If this is an emergency, or to report a party, please call WPI Campus Police at 508-831-5433.
In cases of emergency, individuals should call WPI Campus Police at 508-831-5555 or 911 immediately. The CARE Team is not an emergency response program; it works in conjunction with students and families to provide support with personal situations and after emergencies.
Care Team FAQs
How do I report a concern about a student?
There are three main ways to report a concern about a student. The most common way to report a concern is to complete the online “I’m Concerned About a Student” form. Additional options are a call to the Dean of Students office during business hours Monday through Friday at 508-831-5201 or email the CARE Team: care-team@wpi.edu. Please note that these offices operate Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm.
How will I know you received my CARE referral?
After an “I’m Concerned About a Student” form is completed or an email is sent, reporters will receive an email confirming the receipt of the referral.
What does concerning student behavior look like? How do I know when to say something?
- Student displays a pattern of concerning behavior, including, but not limited to, significant changes in academic performance, chronic health issues, psychological distress, lack of social engagement or connection, alcohol and/or other drug abuse, or inappropriate behavior;
- Student shows significant changes in behavior, mood or affect;
- Statements or actions of self-harm; and/or
- Behavior reflects increased hopelessness or helplessness.
What happens after I refer a student to the CARE Team?
When a student is referred to the CARE team, the CARE Team Case Manager will read the referral information and determine the next steps of outreach. Depending on the situation, the most common first step is to reach out to the student directly via email to inquire about what support might be needed and how to access resources on campus. From there the student may be connected to supportive offices or staff appropriately or there may be additional outreach needed based on the severity of the concern.
Will I get an update about the student and the concern?
Due to confidentiality and privacy regulations, our ability to share information with the original reporter may be limited, but it depends on the situation. Generally, after a referral is submitted the original reporter is not notified further about the engagement of the student and the CARE Team.
Can I remain anonymous when submitting a concern?
While full anonymity is not guaranteed, reporters are able to exclude identifying information from the “I’m Concerned About a Student” form. Generally, we encourage transparency. It is our experience that when a student’s peers, family or professors share their concerns, it often creates greater opportunities for help seeking. Additionally, we recommend providing identifying information so the CARE Team can reach out for added or clarifying information about the situation, as needed. Overall, the CARE Team will keep the reporter’s information private as much as possible and focus the conversation on supporting the student.
I completed a CARE referral, but the behavior is continuing, what do I do?
If a concerning behavior persists, there are a few steps you could take. You can reach out to the CARE Team to provide an update. If you are able and comfortable, you can continue to express your observations and concerns to the person directly with empathy and without judgment. Additionally, you could offer them support by connecting them to on-campus resources, like the SDCC.
Remind yourself that behavior change takes time and depending on the situation, some change takes longer than others. If the behavior is impacting your relationship with the person, consider what your boundaries are, and how you are upholding them within the relationship.
If I report underage drug or alcohol abuse, will I get my student/friend/peer in trouble?
Reporting underage drug or alcohol abuse can raise concerns about potential repercussions for the student involved. However, our primary focus is to prioritize their well-being and safety over “getting them in trouble.” By reporting, you're not seeking punishment but rather intervention and assistance.