Care and Action Team (CAT)
CAT is Oak Point University’s Care and Action Team. It is a multidisciplinary team that coordinates support for students of concern and provides behavioral intervention and resources as necessary. This team focuses on increasing coordination and communication across campus departments supporting students’ overall wellness, academic functioning, and safety.
Students of Focus may demonstrate signs of:
- Major Life Struggles/Events
- Financial Hardship
- Distress
Examples may be indicated by, but are not limited to:
Abnormal Behavior
• Lack of Responsiveness
• Disappearances/Excessive Absenteeism
Disruptive Behavior (Either Victim or Perpetrator)
• Concerning/Threatening Social Media Posts
• Hate or Discriminatory Speech
• Harassment
• Physical Threats
• Relationship Violence
• Stalking
Self-Harm
• Suicidal Thoughts
• Alcohol/Substance Abuse
• Cutting, Burning, etc.
- Bring together necessary parties to collect information regarding potential students of concerns
- Review and assess each individual’s circumstances to determine the most appropriate response and resources
- Outline a detailed plan to deescalate potential crisis, eliminate or reduce threat or harm, and present appropriate resources
- Carry out the response while considering the student’s needs and those of the greater community, if applicable
- Monitor the situation closely throughout the extent of the concern and make adjustments as needed
- Keep all necessary parties informed and working collaboratively for the benefit of the student
Confidentiality
“All Oak Point University policies regarding confidentiality are strictly observed.”
- Crisis Management (for emergency assistance contact Campus Security at 312.770.2457, or 8888 from campus phone)
- Code of Conduct
- Threat Assessment
- Classroom Management (faculty and students are encouraged to seek security if emergency support is needed or to report concerns to Academic Leadership)
- Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
- CARES Fund
- Counseling & Wellness Services (CWS)
- Disability Services
- Dean/Department Chair
- Title IX
- Faculty Advisor
- Registrar’s office
Representatives from the following departments:
Title IX
Eric Hernandez
Library Services
Liesl Cottrell
Student Life
Eric Hernandez
Academics
Melissa Murphey, Graduate Programs
Mary Ellen Newton, Radiography
Nancy Reese, Undergraduate Nursing
Office of the Registrar
CWS Counselors serve as general consultants on the team and adhere to state and federal laws and professional ethics standards regarding students’ confidentiality.