CARE Report FAQs

Staff in the Office of Advocacy and Success review all CARE reports within one business day. Sometimes additional information or clarification is needed from the person who filed the CARE report, and we contact them as needed. Each CARE report is assigned a staff member within the CARE network team; who is to contact the referred individual to schedule a meeting. During the meeting, the student’s situation is assessed, referrals are made to appropriate resources and support services and/or advocacy services are provided. 

Yes, you are able to submit a CARE Report anonymously; however, we strongly discourage this practice and ask that you continue reading to understand why. At times additional information is needed in order to identify the best plan of action for supporting a referred student. The Office of Advocacy and Success may need to contact you for additional information. You may request to remain unidentified to the individual you are referring, and we will do our best to honor your request and protect your privacy. It is important that the CARE report focus on objective, observable and factual information avoiding labels, stereotypes, hearsay and mere assumptions.

Yes, a CARE report can be filed for any current Clemson student. The CARE network staff works to provide each student with individualized support and the best possible referrals or resources to help meet their needs. When students are studying abroad or are exchange students, we typically work closely with the Clemson Study Abroad Office and The Office of Global Engagement to help ensure we are providing the best care possible.

CARE reports should only include objective, observable and factual information. We ask that you avoid labels, stereotypes and reporting based on hearsay or mere assumptions. Please remember, in emergent situations, or in any situation that requires immediate attention or assistance, you follow the steps detailed under “First Things First” on our website in order to obtain the most appropriate care for the student of concern. In emergency situations, or those requiring immediate attention, filing a CARE report is NOT appropriate, and doing so could result in valuable time being lost that could have made all the difference in that student’s life.

As soon as you submit an electronic CARE Report, you will see an automated message with confirmation that the report was submitted. Not every referral source receives a follow-up contact from staff. Know that once your report is submitted, staff will review the CARE report within one business day. If you have additional questions or needs, you may contact the Office of Advocacy and Success, and staff will respond within the limits of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy ACT (FERPA). Please remember, if you believe the person poses a threat or is at risk of harm to self or others, do not submit a CARE report. Instead, dial 911 or call Clemson University Police Department (CUPD) immediately at (864) 656-2222.

CARE Reports are submitted through a secure electronic system called Maxient. There are limited staff members who are a part of the CARE Network and have access to the system.

The CARE Report is designed to be an entry point for concerns regarding current Clemson students. It is also to be used only for non-emergency matters or concerns. However, this does NOT mean ALL CARE reports filed are most appropriately handled by staff in the Office of Advocacy and Success (OAS) or by our CARE team partners. Generally, reports of potential health or safety concerns, misconduct by any one student or student organization, Title IX related matters, bias incidents, risk to campus or community safety, etc., require the expertise of another department. Some of the departments we often work with are: 

Office of Community and Ethical Standards

Office of Access and Equity

The Clemson University Police Department

Counseling and Psychological Services