The SPS CARE Team, established in 2022, is a dedicated support system at CUNY SPS designed to prioritize student wellness and campus safety. This team’s purpose is to provide students with essential services and resources they need to thrive, both academically and personally. Through the CUNY CARES (Comprehensive Access to Resources for Essential Services) program, students on the campuses have access to health care, mental health, food, and housing services. Addressing these critical areas, the CARE team creates a secure and supportive environment where students can focus on their academic success and overall well-being, especially as they continue to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
What is CARE?
According to Carolee Ramsay, the Director of Student Conduct and Community Standards at CUNY SPS, who spoke during the online CARE Information Session on October 22, the CARE team’s mission is to prevent, identify, assess, intervene, and manage student behaviors that might indicate a need for support. The team actively works to prevent issues before they become significant, and establishes a safe environment that encourages student success. The team listens, offers guidance, and connects students to the right resources at the right time, making it easier for them to navigate personal challenges that could affect their educational journey.
The CARE Team Process
To ensure a thorough and effective response, the CARE team follows standards set by the National Association for Behavior Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). Using these tools, they operate a two-tier response system to address different levels of need. Whether a student is experiencing mild stress or facing a complex issue, the CARE team’s approach is flexible and considerate of each individual’s situation, ensuring they get the support that best fits their circumstances.
Key Departments Involved
The CARE team is a collaborative effort, drawing on the expertise of multiple departments across the campus. Each department plays a unique role in providing comprehensive student support:
Disability Services
Led by Student Disabilities Services Coordinator Christopher Fleming, this department is a critical part of the CARE team, bringing expertise in law and policy to ensure students with disabilities receive appropriate accommodations and support services tailored to their needs.
Student Services
Under the leadership of Director of Student Services Zeita Marion-Lobley, Student Services provides valuable insight into student life, helping the CARE team understand issues from the student perspective. They work closely with students to provide support and guidance.
Graduate Advising
Jenna Coplin, the Academic Program Manager, Museum Studies/Research Administration and Compliance, aids in providing referrals and supporting students within their academic programs, assisting with both academic and personal challenges.
Student Advising
Academic Advisor Anjali Anderson-Buckley offers academic insights and liaises with faculty and advisors to support students facing academic challenges, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed in their studies.
Counseling Services
Dr. Erin Jeanette, the Director of Counseling Services, Head of Counseling Services, plays a key consulting role within the CARE team, providing expertise in mental health. Dr. Jeanette works to make referrals to mental health professionals when necessary, ensuring students have access to proper mental health resources.
Public Safety
Washington Hernandez, the Associate Dean of Administration and Finance, leads Public Safety with the CARE team in determining appropriate interventions to maintain a safe campus environment, especially when a risk assessment is necessary.
Student Conduct
Carolee Ramsay collaborates with the CARE team to manage behavioral issues, ensuring that any actions taken align with the university’s guidelines on student behavior.
How Students Can Access CARE
The SPS CARE team encourages students to reach out for support whenever they need it. Accessing services is straightforward: students can refer to themselves by contacting a team member directly or by filling out an online form. The team welcomes self-referrals, making it easy for students to seek help for themselves or even for a friend in need.
The SPS CARE team represents a collaborative effort across CUNY to support student wellness, safety, and success. Providing students with the resources they need to overcome challenges and focus on their academic and personal growth is a university-wide priority. Many CUNY campuses already offer food pantries, wellness centers, mental health counseling, financial assistance, and dedicated resource staff, yet many students are still unaware of these services.
View the SPS CARE Manual for more information.
