Student Support

BSPH Student CARE Team

Learn more about the BSPH Student Crisis, Assessment, Risk, and Evaluation (CARE) Team.

Collaborating to support students

BSPH Student CARE Team

The goal of the BSPH Student Crisis, Assessment, Risk, and Evaluation (CARE) Team is to provide high-quality, coordinated, systems-based outreach and support services that assist and empower students in identifying and managing interpersonal, academic, mental health, and healthcare concerns. Have questions? Please feel free to reach out to the Office of Student Life for further information or discussion.

Mission  

The Bloomberg School of Public Health Student Crisis, Assessment, Risk, and Evaluation (CARE) Team will

  • Provide students care and access to resources;
  • Promote a safe and secure environment;
  • Maintain the safety, health, and well-being of the School community through a proactive, objective, supportive, and collaborative approach;
  • Work with the School community to create awareness around student care, behavior concerns, and the referral process.

Protocol  

Members of the School community should inform the BSPH Student CARE Team/Office of Student Life of any student of concern by submitting a BSPH CARE form. 

All referrals will be reviewed within two business days and will be handled in a private manner by the Office of Student Life. In more complex cases, we may elevate a referral to the BSPH CARE Team, during which the student of concern will be deidentified whenever possible, with information and identifying student information shared only on a need-to-know basis.   

BSPH Student CARE Team FAQs

Explore frequently asked questions regarding the BSPH Student CARE Team and other BSPH student support processes.

How do I recognize a student in distress?

Recently, Vice Provost of Student Health and Well-Being, Kevin Shollenberger and Vice Provost of Institutional Equity, Shannon Shumpert released updated guidance online for recognizing and assisting students in distress. The guide is a comprehensive tool to help you support and refer students in times of need. We encourage you to review each page carefully, noting an emphasis on bringing in mental health and public safety resources when appropriate.  

Why and how should I refer a student in distress?

The landscape of mental health, emotional health, and well-being resources and support structures for students at Hopkins and worldwide is frequently changing. We recognize that it is not the responsibility of all faculty, staff, and students to remain expert in their knowledge of these resources. Further, we also recognize that each individual will have varying levels of comfort with addressing and supporting a student in distress. The earlier a student of concern, a student in distress, and/or warning signs can be reported, the more options we often have to present to support the student’s well-being.

To simplify this process, we have created a BSPH Student of Concern Referral Form. This form is comprehensive and intended to gather as much information as possible to ensure we can provide support to the student of concern and refer them to the appropriate resources.  

I have reported a student of concern. What happens now?

The submission of this form and its contents are private. All referrals will be reviewed within two business days and will be handled in a private manner by the Office of Student Life if follow-up is deemed appropriate and/or possible. Any outreach to the student of concern will be conducted directly, offering support and making necessary referrals.

In more complex cases, we may elevate a referral to the BSPH CARE Team, during which the student of concern will be deidentified whenever possible, with information and identifying student information shared only on a need-to-know basis.   

I have submitted a student of concern referral. Will I be kept up to date on the progress of the case?

No. Student records, including incident reports, are protected by FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), and therefore any information regarding the outcome of this report will not be shared with you without the direct written consent of the student(s) involved. The nature of our referral follow-up, outreach, and any resulting outcomes or referrals, including inaction on behalf of the student of concern, is private. You are welcome to inquire with the student of concern directly.

I have been referred to the BSPH Student CARE Team as a student of concern. What happens now?

The actions and the outcomes that result from a report are driven by the student of concern.

When a report is made to us, we will reach out if we deem it necessary or helpful, but we will not require a student to engage with us should they not wish. Any subsequent engagement of other offices, staff, and clinicians is made at the behest of the student of concern. The outcome of these reports, nor any response or lack of response is connected to any punitive action or decision regarding the student’s status at the School or University.

In rare instances where the student or community safety is of concern, we will include the appropriate clinicians and safety and security personnel. 

What (if any) is the long-term impact on a student who is reported via the referral process?

Referrals and their content are private in nature and access to these referrals is extremely limited. The reports themselves and any subsequent information recorded are protected by FERPA, and therefore private unless the reported student requests they are released. As a part of the student’s record, the student is always welcome to see the report should they wish.

Referrals and engagement with the BSPH Student CARE Team and subsequent resources (or lack of engagement) are not shared with any academic department unless the student expressly requests in writing that their department be made aware. 

Actions taken as a result of these referrals and this CARE Team are not intended to be punitive unless there is a breach of the Johns Hopkins University Student Code of Conduct. The referral nor the resulting support and related care actions taken are not relevant to a student’s professional background checks and/or official clearance checks. 

In rare instances where the student or community safety is of concern, we will include the appropriate clinicians and safety and security personnel. 

Where can I find additional information regarding wellbeing resources at Hopkins?

The student well-being website continues to be a central portal to student health and well-being resources across divisions and campuses. Experiencing food insecurity? Explore the JHU and community resources listed here for support.

I am experiencing an emergency. What should I do?

You should reach out to someone immediately for help. The BSPH Student CARE Team is not an emergency resource, and should not be used when there is an immediate need for support, an immediate safety or health concern, or an immediate threat to your well-being or the well-being of others. 

Meet the BSPH Student CARE Team

  • Mahnoor Ahmed (she/her) - Director of Student Recruitment and Engagement, Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
  • Brittany Claridge (she/her) - Director of Student Life
  • Dacia Gauer (she/her) - Director of International Services, Office of International Services
  • Malaka Harper (she/her) - Assistant Director, Clinical Case Management
  • Paul Hutchinson (he/him) - Director of Career Services
  • Shekeitha Jeffries (she/her) - Assistant Director of Student Life
  • Audrey Ndaba (she/her) - Director of Student Disability Services
  • Amber Richert (she/her) - Clinic Manager, University Health Services (UHS)
  • Melissa Weaver, LCSW-C (she/her) - Student Assistance Clinician, Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program (JHSAP)