CARE Referrals are monitored during NIC’s normal operating hours. If there is an immediate threat to someone's safety or a medical emergency, call 911 first then contact NIC Campus Security at (208) 769-3310.
Supporting student success and safety through early assistance and intervention
North Idaho College is committed to fostering a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment. The Cardinal CARE Team helps students navigate challenges that may affect their well-being, safety or academic success.
The CARE Team reviews referrals for concerning, disruptive, or distressing behavior and works collaboratively with campus partners to connect students with appropriate resources, support and interventions. The CARE Team’s goal is to identify concerns early, provide assistance and help students stay on track toward their educational goals.
The CARE Team is a supportive, non-disciplinary resource focused on care, intervention, student success and campus safety.
Who can submit a CARE referral?
Anyone concerned about a student's well-being may submit a referral, including:
- Students
- Faculty
- Staff
- Parents and family members
- Friends and classmates
- Community members
- Self-referrals
Unsure whether a situation warrants a referral? It is always better to submit one and allow the CARE Team to assess the concern.
When should I submit a CARE referral?
A CARE referral should be submitted as soon as concerns about an individual's well-being, behavior or ability to succeed academically arise. Early referrals allow the CARE Team to assess concerns promptly and connect students with appropriate support before challenges become more significant.
If concerning behaviors continue or escalate, submit an additional referral, even if someone else may have already submitted one. Each individual’s interactions with a student may be different, and the information shared or behaviors observed can vary from one setting to another. Multiple referrals provide the CARE Team with a more complete understanding of the student's circumstances, allowing for a more accurate assessment and better-coordinated support.
Examples of situations appropriate for a CARE referral
Significant changes in behavior
- Withdrawal from friends or activities
- Noticeable mood changes
- Declining personal hygiene
- Uncharacteristic behavior
Academic concerns
- Frequent absences
- Sudden decline in academic performance
- Lack of engagement in classes
- Repeated requests for extensions due to personal challenges
Personal or family challenges
- Serious illness or injury
- Loss of a loved one
- Relationship difficulties
- Financial hardship
- Housing or food insecurity
Signs of distress
- Persistent emotional distress
- Difficulty coping with stress
- Expressions of hopelessness
- Repeated conflicts with others
Disruptive or concerning behavior
- Behavior that interferes with learning, work or campus life
- Harassment, intimidation or bullying
- Concerning social media posts, writings or communications
- Threatening, aggressive or escalating behavior
What should I include in a referral?
The most helpful referrals are factual and specific.
Include:
- What you observed
- When and where the behavior occurred
- Any statements made by the individual
- Changes you have noticed over time
- Any actions already taken
Focus on observable facts rather than assumptions or diagnoses.
What happens after a CARE referral is submitted?
- Referral review
A CARE Team member reviews the information submitted and evaluates the level of concern, urgency and potential risk. CARE Referrals are monitored during NIC’s normal operating hours.
- CARE outreach
A case manager or appropriate staff member reaches out to the student. Whenever possible, outreach is conducted by someone who may already have a trusted relationship with the student.
The goal is to offer support, resources, and assistance, not punishment.
Participation is voluntary in most situations.
- Connection to resources
Depending on the student's needs, the CARE Team may connect them with services such as:
- Counseling services
- Academic support and tutoring
- Disability Access Services
- Financial aid resources
- Student support programs
- Community resources
- Other campus departments
- Student conduct
- Threat assessment
- Ongoing support and follow-up
Some situations require ongoing support and monitoring. The CARE Team may continue coordinating services and checking on student progress.
- Case closure
A referral may be closed when outreach has been completed, support has been offered, and no additional intervention is necessary.
Who sees my referral?
CARE referrals are maintained in a secure system.
Information is shared only with college officials who have a legitimate educational interest and a need to know in order to assess concerns, provide support, coordinate services or address safety issues.
The CARE Team takes student privacy seriously and handles referrals with discretion and sensitivity.
Who is on the core Cardinal CARE Team?
Lynn Covey – Team Chair, Case Manager
Alex Harris – Dean of Students, Title IX Officer, Student Conduct Officer
Marie Macher – Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services
Adan Saucedo Gonzales – Counseling Specialist
Paula Czirr – Residence Life Manager
Additional members will be added to the team as needed to address specific referrals such as the Veterans Center, faculty, and other campus resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Anonymous referrals are accepted.
However, providing contact information allows the CARE Team to follow up if additional information is needed and helps the team respond more effectively.
The CARE Team generally focuses on the concern rather than the source of the referral. While anonymity cannot be guaranteed in every circumstance, every effort is made to protect the identity of the individual who submitted the referral when appropriate.
No.
Being contacted by a case manager does not mean you are in trouble or facing disciplinary action.
The CARE Team's purpose is to provide support, help identify resources and assist students in addressing challenges that may affect their success or well-being.
Case management helps students identify needs, solve problems, and connect with campus and community resources.
Counseling provides therapeutic services focused on mental health, emotional well-being and personal growth.
Case managers and counselors often work collaboratively, but they serve different roles.
Case managers provide supportive, non-judgmental assistance to students experiencing challenges that may impact their academic success, personal well-being or ability to remain enrolled.
A case manager can:
- Help students navigate college processes
- Connect students with campus resources
- Coordinate support across departments
- Assist during difficult life circumstances
- Provide ongoing follow-up when appropriate
- Advocate for student success
Case managers work closely with NIC faculty, staff, campus security, and other departments across campus to ensure students receive coordinated support and to minimize the risk of harm to individuals and the campus community.
For questions, concerns or presentations about the Cardinal CARE Team, contact NIC Student Support Coordinator Lynn Covey at Lynn.Covey@nic.edu or (208) 769-7863.