Vancouver Island University is committed to creating and maintaining a supportive, respectful, enriching, and safe learning and living environment in which students can reach their full academic and personal potential.
The CARE Committee is a risk assessment, intervention, and support unit at VIU. Through collaboration across multiple services on and off campus, the CARE Committee promotes student success and campus safety by applying a comprehensive approach to understanding, addressing, and managing the complex needs of students.
Referrals to the CARE Committee can be made through contacting Early Alert
Collaborative
- The CARE Committee is comprised of representatives from across the campus who coordinate resources and implement supports to assist students who may be at risk of harm* to self and/or others.
- The CARE Committee works closely with academic units, administrative units, support units, student groups, community support services and other key stakeholders to promote academic success and the health and safety of VIU students.
Assessment
- Students who are identified, or who identify, as being in need of support are brought forward to CARE. The Committee then assesses the risk of harm/violence to self and others and develops a support/intervention plan.
Referral
- The CARE Committee may refer students to both on and off campus resources as appropriate including, but not limited to: Services for Aboriginal Students, Counselling, Accessibility Services, Financial Aid and Awards, Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Office, International Students Services, Student Health Clinic, Crisis Response Team, Multicultural Society, and Victim Services.
- In cases where a student presents with behaviours of considerable concern, the CARE Committee will refer the matter to the VIU Risk and Threat Assessment Team (RTAT).
Education
- The CARE Committee aims to educate the VIU community on best practice regarding identifying and responding to students in distress. In addition, the CARE Committee educates, where possible, students on self-care, healthy living and safe, appropriate conduct.
* Harm may be physical or emotional/psychological
The CARE Committee
- The CARE Committee includes representatives from Student Affairs (Counselling and Conduct), International Student Services and VIU Residences.
- Addresses concerns and complaints referred by the VIU community.
- Assesses, within the limits of its expertise, the risk of harm/violence to the student or other VIU community members.
- Makes recommendations for support/intervention.
- Builds VIU’s capacity to prevent, anticipate, assess, and respond to student needs by engaging the University community in educative dialogue to foster understanding of best practices to support students in distress.
On a needs basis and in compliance with FIPPA regulations, the CARE Committee may invite input from broader University stakeholders and/or seek guidance from outside community agencies including: Deans, Associate Deans, Chairs, representatives from departments within Student Affairs (e.g. Services for Aboriginal Students, Accessibility Services, Financial Aid and Awards), Diversity, Equity and Human Rights, Human Resources, Crisis Response Team.
Additional Resources
In case of emergency or crisis situation (imminent concern for harm to self or others) please call 911 and/or VIU Security at 250.740.6600 and/or consult with the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1.888.494.3888.
For non-emergency consultation or connection, VIU Counselling services can be contacted during business hours (8am-4pm, Monday to Friday). To connect with VIU Counselling services call 250.740.6416 or visit the Health and Wellness Centre in B200, 3rd floor (limited same day service available). All BC post-secondary students also have access to the free and confidential counselling and community referral services 24/7 Here2Talk - available via app, phone and web.
After hours, or any time, consult with the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1.888.494.3888.
Please see the following website for more information on Supporting Students in Distress.