Don’t do life alone. Here at Dallas College, we have a coordinated team of caring staff who are committed to helping you manage the stress and challenges of everyday life.
Regardless of which campus you’re on or the hurdle you’re facing, our student care coordinators are here to assist you in finding the resources to live your best life. It’s important to note that
care coordination is not counseling or therapy. Rather, student care coordinators develop helping relationships with students while coaching them toward appropriate resources, self-care and self-advocacy.
Care coordination is also not a punishment. We are here to help. If a student needs crisis management, coordinators “connect the dots,” working with all the different service offices across the college. We want to ensure our students are supported both in and out of the classroom.
First Appointment: What To Expect
During your first appointment with the Office of Student Care Coordination, you and your care coordinator may:
- Discuss your current needs and any challenges you may be having.
- Develop and implement a success plan.
- Explore referrals to campus and community resources and assist with scheduling appointments.
- Discuss your current concerns that may be causing you distress or problems.
- Schedule any follow-up appointments if needed.
Anyone can submit a referral or ask for assistance.
After receiving a referral, a coordinator assesses the individual’s needs, and if necessary, consults with other members of the CARE Team to evaluate the level of risk and crisis the student is facing. The coordinator then connects the person to resources within Dallas College’s Student Care Network and the greater Dallas community.
When the CARE Team gets a report of problematic or concerning behavior, the team determines the best way to support, intervene and respond. The team then contacts the individual and coordinates a follow-up.
Refer Someone
(who displays one or all of the symptoms)
- A sudden or unexpected change in classroom performance
- Decline in enthusiasm for class (e.g., no longer participating in class discussions)
- Frequent requests for special exceptions (e.g., late papers, extension requests, postponed exams)
- Disruptive, hardened or unusual participation in class (e.g., questions off topic, argumentative)
- Poor focus or attention during class
- Strange or bizarre writing (e.g., writing is off topic to prompt, writing includes violent imagery, fantasy)
- Explosive or impulsive behavior
- Emotions that are extreme for the situation
- Teasing or bullying (receiving or giving)
- Social withdrawal, isolation, loneliness, etc.
- Change in typical personality
- Mentions dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorder, etc.
- Marked irritability, anger, hostility, etc.
- Difficulty connecting to others
- Delusional or paranoid speech or actions
- Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, etc.
- Talks about themes of suicide, loss of will to live, etc.
- Directly mentions self-harm, suicide or harm to others
- Chronic fatigue or falling asleep at inappropriate times
- Marked change in personal hygiene or appearance
- Noticeable change in energy level
- Dramatic weight loss or gain
- Confused, disjointed thoughts, speech or actions
- Attends class or work hungover or intoxicated, or frequently appears hungover or intoxicated
- Signs of self-injury (cuts, burns, etc.)
How To Make a Referral
If there is not a concern for safety or a need for an immediate response, make a referral by contacting the Student Care Network.
If there is a concern for safety (themes of or direct statement of self-harm, suicide, harm to others or aggressive behavior, etc.), get immediate help by:
Once you have gotten immediate help, make a referral to the CARE Team.
Warning Signs: How You Can Help When You See These Signs