Life as a college student can be an exciting journey, filled with opportunities for growth and learning. However, it can also present unexpected challenges that impact your well-being and academic progress. The University of Central Florida (UCF) understands these complexities and offers the Ucf Care Program through Student Care Services to provide comprehensive support and guidance. This program is designed to assist students experiencing a wide range of difficulties, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed to thrive at UCF and beyond.
Understanding the UCF Care Program: A Holistic Approach to Student Well-being
The UCF Care Program is a dedicated service within UCF’s Student Care Services, committed to fostering a supportive campus environment. Care Coordinators within the program offer personalized, one-on-one assistance to students facing significant life challenges. These challenges can range from mental and physical health concerns to personal emergencies, financial instability, and various other obstacles that may hinder a student’s university experience.
The primary goal of the UCF Care Program is to empower students to successfully navigate the UCF landscape. Care Coordinators act as guides, connecting students with the extensive resources available both on and off campus. They prioritize student well-being and academic success by providing information, referrals, and support tailored to individual needs. Moreover, the program focuses on developing students’ self-advocacy skills, preparing them for engagement within the UCF community and for life after graduation.
The UCF Care Program is equipped to support students dealing with a variety of situations, including:
- Difficulties in Daily Functioning: This can manifest as missing classes frequently, social withdrawal, noticeable changes in behavior, or a decline in academic performance.
- Mental Health Concerns: Addressing stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges is a core component of the program.
- Physical Health and Medical Issues: Support is available for students managing physical health conditions or medical concerns that impact their studies.
- Loss and Grief: Coping with the loss of a family member or friend can be incredibly challenging, and the program provides resources for bereavement and grief support.
- Adjustment Difficulties: Navigating social issues, relationship problems, or family concerns can be overwhelming for students, especially in a new environment.
- Shelter, Food, or Financial Insecurity: The program connects students with resources to address housing insecurity, food insecurity, and financial challenges that may threaten their ability to stay in school.
- Concerns about Overall Well-being: This encompasses a broad spectrum of issues, including interpersonal violence, sexual assault, safety concerns, and any other factors impacting a student’s overall well-being.
It is crucial to understand that the UCF Care Program is not a crisis intervention service. In case of a life-threatening emergency or immediate danger, always call 911. Similarly, the program does not provide counseling, therapy, or academic advising directly. Instead, Care Coordinators build supportive relationships with students, coaching them towards self-care strategies and effective self-advocacy. For students needing immediate mental health support, UCF Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available 24/7 at 407-823-2811.
Care Coordinators are also mandatory reporters. This means that if they become aware of instances of discrimination or retaliation, they are required to report these incidents to UCF’s Office of Institutional Equity & Title IX. The Student Care Services team works independently of academic decisions made by faculty or academic departments. Their role is to connect students with academic resources and relevant university policies. Importantly, Student Care Services can provide a class absence notification to professors if a student is unable to do so directly, offering a crucial bridge during difficult times.
Connecting with the UCF Care Program Team: How to Seek Assistance
If you are a UCF student facing any of the challenges mentioned above, or similar difficulties impacting your well-being, reaching out to the UCF Care Program is a straightforward process. You can contact the Student Care Services team by calling 407-823-5607, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Alternatively, you can send an email detailing your concerns to [email protected].
For those who wish to learn more about the team members dedicated to supporting UCF students, you can visit the Meet the Student Care Services Team page. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the individuals committed to helping you succeed.
Referring a Knight to the UCF Care Program: Look Out for Your Fellow Students
If you are concerned about a fellow UCF Knight who may be struggling, the UCF Care Program encourages referrals. If you observe a student in distress, or whose actions or circumstances are worrisome but do not pose an immediate threat, you can refer them to the Student Care Services Team through the Student of Concern Form. This form allows you to express your concerns and connect the student with the support they may need.
It is vital to remember the distinction between a referral to the Care Program and emergency situations. Immediate dangers requiring a 911 call include situations where a student is:
- Potentially harmful to themselves.
- Potentially harmful to others.
Always prioritize safety and call 911 in potentially harmful situations. The UCF Care Program is designed for non-emergency support and proactive intervention to help students navigate difficulties before they escalate into crises.
Helpful Resources for UCF Knights: Expanding Your Support Network
The UCF Care Program is part of a broader network of resources available to UCF students. To further enhance your access to support and information, consider exploring these helpful links:
- Mental Health/Well-being: UCF Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) – Access mental health support, counseling services, and well-being resources.
- Class Absence Notice: Submit a Class Absence Notification – Utilize this form if you need assistance notifying professors of class absences due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Financial Instability Resources: Student Financial Support Services – Discover resources to address financial challenges and food insecurity.
- Interpersonal Violence Support: UCF Title IX Resources – Learn about support and reporting options related to interpersonal violence and sexual assault.
- Outreach and Presentation Requests: Request a Presentation from Student Care Services – Request outreach programs or presentations on well-being topics for your student group or department.
- Foster Youth and Homeless Student Services: Support for Foster Youth and Homeless Students – Access specialized resources for students with foster care backgrounds or experiencing homelessness.
- Grief and Bereavement Resources: Grief and Bereavement Support at UCF – Find resources and support for coping with grief and loss.
- Additional Resources: Comprehensive List of Student Resources – Explore a broader directory of resources available to UCF students across various needs.
By understanding and utilizing the UCF Care Program and the wider network of support services, UCF Knights can confidently navigate challenges and maximize their potential for success, both academically and personally. Remember, you are not alone, and support is readily available at UCF.
