Community of CARE

As members of the CalArts community, you are in an excellent position to spot a distressed or emotionally struggling student. This may be a result of your position as an administrative assistant, dean, faculty, staff member or student. 

You may observe that at certain times of the year, particularly during final projects and holidays, students experience increased anxiety. The student's behavior, especially if it is inconsistent with your experience of them, could well constitute an inarticulate attempt to draw attention to their plight, a "cry for help."
 

Downloadable COC Guide

What constitutes as a student who is in distress or emotionally struggling? 

Social Concerns

  • Loss of family member, friend/relationship issues.
  • Title IX related incidents (see section below).

Behavioral Concerns

  • Disruptive, disrespectful or threatening behavior.
  • Alcohol or drug abuse.
  • Misuse of property.

Academic Concerns

  • Significant decline in academic performance. 
  • Excessive absences from class.
  • Failure to turn in assignments. 
  • Student has stated they are concerned about academic performance. 
  • Numerous requests for allowances or accommodations in regards to assignments/attendance.

Medical Concerns

  • Hospitalization, first aid treatment, accidents or illness.

Mental Health Concerns

  • Disturbing behavior such as sudden changes in mood or demeanor. 
  • Expressions/thoughts of wanting to harm self/others.
  • Thoughts or threats of suicide. 
  • The student may seem to be exhibiting depressive behavior or speaking of being more depressed. 
  • Anxious beyond a state that seems typical for college students. 
  • Person's thoughts and conversations do not make sense, or are incoherent. 

Physical Endangerment Concerns

  • Potentially risky behavior such as restricted eating, excessive exercising, binging and purging, misuse of medications, etc. 

Title IX Violations 

CalArts faculty and staff members do not participate in the privilege of confidentiality. The only employees that have this privilege are the mental health counselors, nurses in our health center and our Student Advocate. 

Employees must report potential Title IX violations to the Title IX Coordinator for investigation.

Students often do not know that faculty and staff are mandated reporters. Should a student begin to disclose a Title IX violation (sexual assault, harassment, domestic or relationship violence, stalking) to you, please gently interrupt them and share your status. If they choose to move forward with reporting please make sure to report and then refer the student to the Student Advocate (Liz Peisner, epeisner@calarts.edu) or to a counselor. We will speak with the student and offer immediate intervention, consultation at the Counseling Center, and assist with options they prefer.

Title IX Report Form