Raptor CARES

The overall well-being of students here at Rutgers University Camden Campus (RUC) is important to us.  We wish to help students get the most of their experience here at RUC by receiving the care, referrals, and answers they seek.  Thus, RU Raptor CARES works closely with faculty, staff, students, and families to provide care and support for students of concern who may be in distress.  It is important to RU Raptor CARES that all students know and understand that they are an important part of the RUC community.  

The RU Raptor CARES committee is comprised of different professionals across campus life whom work closely with students on a regular basis such as the Dean of Students Office and the Office of Residence Life.

What is a student of concern?

A student of concern is any student who displays behaviors that may get in the way of a student's ability to be successful in RUC environment.    

Student concerns may include but are not limited to:

  • A health or other condition that requires a long absence from the University.
  • A mental or emotional health condition that causes the student to be a threat to self or others.
  • Behavior that is disruptive to the educational environment.
  • A traumatic event experienced by a student.

College is a time when students are testing their independence and striving to find themselves. It's not uncommon for these journeys to have rough points. For some students, personal, emotional, psychological, academic, or other challenges may hinder their ability to succeed both in and outside of the classroom. The Dean of Students Office is here to assist students with these concerns by strategically and effectively handling and referring student concerns/needs across all areas of the campus and University as needed.  The Dean of Students Office serves as an initial contact for students of concern and students at risk. 

The goal of the Dean of Students Office is to identify students who appear to be struggling or troubled and intervene providing them with the resources to be successful in the RUC environment, before the student reaches a distressful level. 

Often, there are indicators that a student is experiencing concerns long before a situation escalates to severe distress. Sometimes small changes in personality or actions are the first indicator that a student may need more assistance. The presence of one indicator alone does not necessarily mean that the student is experiencing severe distress.  However, the more indicators you notice, the more likely it is that the student needs help.  When in doubt, consult with the Dean of Students Office (856-225-6050).

Other examples of indicators that a student may be experiencing concern, consist of, but are not limited to:

  • Academics (i.e. repeated absences from class, missed assignments, deterioration in work quality and/or quantity, etc.)
  • Behavioral/Emotional (i.e. statements indicating distress, family problems, or loss, aggression/hostile outburst/yelling, withdrawn, expressions of hopelessness, severe anxiety or irritability, etc.)
  • Medical: Physical/Mental (i.e. deterioration in appearance or hygiene, excessive fatigue, exhaustion, or falling asleep in class repeatedly, visible weight changes, frequent or chronic illness, noticeable cuts, burns, or bruises, etc.)
  • Possible Substance Abuse (i.e. tension in relationships with friends, staff, etc. due to use, continued use despite negative consequences such as student conduct, DUI, or physical problems, avoidance, denial, blacking out, etc.)