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FAQ

What are warning signs of students in crisis?

Warning Signs of Potential Suicide:

  1. previous suicide attempts
  2. significant alcohol or drug use
  3. threatening or communicating thoughts of suicide, death, dying or the afterlife
  4. sudden increase in moodiness, withdrawal, or isolation
  5. major change in eating or sleeping habits
  6. feelings of hopelessness, guilt or worthlessness

For more information visit CAPS - Helping Students of Concern

Who can make a CART referral?

Anyone who feels a student is a threat to themselves and/or the community can make a CART referral; including students, parents, faculty and staff, and other community members.

How do I know if it is a CART issue or if it should be referred to a more appropriate campus resource?

Typically, behaviors that pose a threat to safety or that cause a significant community disruption qualify as CART, while students who experience other mental health issues are appropriate referrals to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).  You do not have to make this determination; CART will do it for you. The most critical step is to report it using the Incident Reporting Form.

What do I do if I know a student who may need to be referred?

  1. If you feel there is an immediate threat, call UHPD Police at or 713-743-0600 or call 911.
  2. To make a referral, complete the Incident Reporting Form. You will be asked for basic information about the student, how to contact you (in case the CART committee has follow-up questions) and for a description of the incident or behaviors that prompted the referral.
  3. You are the Conduct Assessment and Response Team’s best resource because you are familiar to the student. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask if he/she is OK. In many cases students will indicate that he/she could use some help and you can refer them to Counseling and Psychological Services. Referring students to CAPS and CART covers all bases.

What happens to a student during the CART process?

The members of CART receive your referral by email and are able to take the information provided and make a decision on the best course of action for the student. However reporting is the most critical step. To make a CART referral, fill out the Incident Reporting Form.

Can my referral remain anonymous?

You may report anonymously however, submitting your name gives more credence to your report. You are strongly encouraged to identify yourself, as this will assist if CART needs clarification or additional information.

Tip: Never promise confidentiality to a student during the CART referral process.

This page is format is modeled after the University of South Carolina and used with their permission.