Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about CARE (Concern, Assistance, Resources, and Empowerment Team).

• What’s the difference between CARE reports, Reports of Academic Dishonesty, and reports for an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code?
• What happens when I make a CARE report?
• What are examples of appropriate referrals to CARE?
• What if someone wants to make a report and be “anonymous”? What do we tell students about anonymity?
• What is the difference between Student Conduct vs. a CARE report?
• What happens when the behaviors are repeated regularly by the same person? Do we make just one report from one person?
• As a faculty member, if I feel unsafe or threatened by a student’s behaviors, what do I do?
• Does making a CARE report replace the act of notifying my Supervisor, Department Coordinator or Division Chair?
• What is the difference between CLERY reporting and CARE?

What’s the difference between CARE reports, Reports of Academic Dishonesty, and reports for an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code?

Use the Student Concern Landing Page to navigate to each report.  A CARE- Student of Concern Report relates to your concern with a students well-being and/or their risk of harming themselves or others. A Conduct Report is in relation to alleged violations of the student conduct code that are not related to academic integrity. An Academic Dishonesty Report is only used for concerns related to Academic Integrity.

You will have a chance to choose the most appropriate category and check the boxes you deem appropriate when making the report. Just do your best to report based on the following questions:

1. Do you believe the student violated the Highline Student Conduct Code?
   • Link to the Student Conduct Code, Prohibited Student Conduct
   • If yes, submit an Incident Reporting Form.
2. Are you concerned about a student’s behavior that DOES NOT rise to the level of an alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code?
   • Link to concerning behaviors
   • If yes, submit a CARE-Student of Concern Report.
3. Do you want to submit a report of alleged academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.)?
   • If yes, submit an Academic Dishonesty Report

Submitted forms are routed to the appropriate team/person for processing.

What happens when I make a CARE report?

You will receive an automated notice acknowledging your submitted report. Within a few days, someone from CARE will follow-up with you to indicate next steps, depending on the urgency of the situation. CARE members meet on a weekly basis and use the NaBITA (National Behavioral Intervention Team Association) Threat Assessment Tool to assess interventions and appropriate steps. A CARE member will consult with you about next steps, which may include simply keeping the report on record (no action), advising you on any further actions to take, or reaching out to the student of concern. You will always be included in the process as a reporter, and timely follow-up is a cornerstone of why CARE works effectively for our community.

What are examples of appropriate referrals to CARE?

Please refer to Yellow Flags, Warning Signs, and Indicators

What if someone wants to make a report and be “anonymous”? What do we tell students about anonymity?

Anonymous reporters limit our ability to act on the situation. We do not encourage anonymity. There is a risk in reporting behaviors of concern but the “culture of reporting” is based on the foundation that we are caring and supportive as a community. Reporting to CARE should be a transparent process, if possible, with the student. Meaning that the system is meant to track, consult and support students.

What is the difference between Student Conduct vs. a CARE report?

The form is the same for an alleged Student Conduct Code violation and CARE report.

We made it easy for you to report it through one simple link, but it’s up to you to choose the most appropriate designation under Nature of this report.  Once the report is reviewed, the designation may be changed to elicit the most appropriate response.  This decision ultimately falls in CARE members’ realm because it dictates how we respond and accurately tracks our data.  You will be advised if any change is made.

What happens when the behaviors are repeated regularly by the same person? Do we make just one report from one person?

As long as the repetitive behavior is non-destructive and is not disruptive to the educational process it should be left alone or the student supported within normal practices.  If the behavior is destructive, disruptive, or disturbing in nature or falls into the realm of a viable concern to the safety of the college then each incident should be evaluated on an individual basis and the appropriate response taken.

Developing a “culture of reporting” and “community of support and preventative action” means that we start addressing behaviors early and connect students to resources before behaviors repeat themselves or escalate. Sometimes we need to see patterns emerge before we feel the need the report. This is dependent on the context and behaviors. Regardless, you can submit a report just to consult and CARE members are happy to talk with you about your concerns or questions.

As a faculty member, if I feel unsafe or threatened by a student’s behaviors, what do I do?

Immediately report threats to your safety to 911 and Public Safety. Report ongoing experiences of threatening behaviors to Human Resources and the Office of Student Conduct (via CARE report). Report concerning student behavior to CARE.  Someone from CARE will contact you as soon as possible with follow-up questions, recommended actions, and/or suggestions. CARE members utilize a nationally recognized threat assessment tool to categorize potentially threatening behaviors. An alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code means using the universal Incident Reporting form and categorizing it as a Student Conduct report. The same form is used for CARE and alleged violations of the Code of Conduct.  Faculty should receive support and resources regarding their own safety from Human Resources, not CARE or the Office of Student Conduct.

See the current HCEA-HC AGREEMENT for further information.

Does making a CARE report replace the act of notifying my Supervisor, Department Coordinator or Division Chair?

Any report made through CARE, alleged violation of the Student Conduct Code, or report of Academic Dishonesty should be combined with a report or notification to your direct Supervisor (Staff employees), Division Chair (Full-Time Faculty) or Department Coordinator (Part-Time Faculty). It is a good idea to keep your direct supervisor informed so they can support you and provide guidance as needed.

What is the difference between CLERY reporting and CARE?

CLERY is a federal reporting requirement for all campuses that addresses specific crime or incident reporting. CLERY is used for campus crime tracking, victim support and to mandate policies and procedures the campus must enforce to be in compliance with the laws covering the Clery Act.

CARE brings certain behaviors of concern to the attention of the Team so students can be provided with recommendations of support to assist them with meeting their needs and addressing potentially problematic behaviors.