A message from President Hatch regarding the CARE Team

October 22, 2019

President Hatch e-mailed the following message to faculty and staff on Oct. 22 (a similar message was sent to students):

At Wake Forest University our Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation (CARE) Team is a vital resource, available to all of us. The CARE Team is here to help when you are worried about a student, colleague, or anyone who is connected with our campus. Knowing more about the role of this important resource is a good way to support the wellbeing of all members of our campus community.

Our CARE Team assesses, responds to, and provides ongoing evaluation of concerning behaviors brought to the attention of the team. When appropriate, the team will also consult with the person expressing concern to assist in their personal handling of the concern.  Another of the team’s roles is to connect people in need of help with support services. As a result of these connections, individuals are more likely to find themselves feeling better about their work and relationships, and more aware of the resources available to them.

Campus safety and personal wellbeing remain core values at Wake Forest, and you play an important role. The early identification and communication of behaviors of concern exhibited by students, employees, visitors, or other individuals involved with University is vital to maintaining the health of our community.

I encourage each of you to listen to your students and colleagues and pay attention to those around you. We want to be a place that is welcoming and supportive – a place in which we all feel comfortable expressing care and concern for our fellow Wake Foresters.

If you become aware of disruptive or threatening behaviors, or are concerned about someone affiliated with the university, I ask that you contact any CARE Team member or send a message to care@wfu.edu. Please note that if you are concerned about the possibility of imminent violence, you should immediately contact University Police (911 from a University land line or 336-758-5911 from a cell phone). Or, you may call the Winston-Salem Police Department (911 from a cell phone or off-campus land line).

Once contacted our CARE Team discreetly acts to assess the reported behavior(s) and provide an appropriate level of support. For more information about the CARE Team, including contact information, team composition, and descriptions of behaviors of concern, please visit http://careteam.wfu.edu.

Thank you for your assistance in assuring that our campus remains a safe place for all of us to live, learn, and work together in the spirit of Pro Humanitate.