For students who may be experiencing distress, we offer individualized assistance
by providing support, helping identify networks of support, and offering referrals
to resources. We are here to help.
If you are ever concerned about a student's health, well-being, or safety, submit
a referral. In the event of an emergency, contact USCPD at 803-777-4215 or call 911.
If you or a student you know is experiencing challenges with access to adequate food,
stable housing, clothing, academic materials, or other resource concerns impacting
your wellness and ability to continue your education at USC, you are encouraged to
complete this form.
If you are experiencing difficult circumstances and would like to speak with Care
Team staff about helpful resources, or to consult about a student you are worried
about, you are invited to come to drop-in hours (virtual or in-person).
Tuesday-Friday | 3:30-4:30 p.m.
To initiate a 15-minute drop-in appointment, please fill out this form and a Care Coordinator will be in touch.
Who is the Care Team?
The Care Team is a group of caring professionals dedicated to student success and
well-being by identifying concerns, addressing those concerns with the student, and
referring them to campus and community resources. The Care Team’s primary goal is
to ensure that the student involved gains the necessary resources to remain successful
academically and personally at USC.
Alisa Liggett - Chair, Student Care and Outreach Team
Austin LaForest - Director of Student Care and Case Management
Mary Grace Raunikar - Care Coordinator
Victoria Anderson - Care Coordinator
Rachel Brasell - Basic Needs Coordinator
Feel free to reach us at careteam@mailbox.sc.edu for questions about submitting a referral, accessing campus resources, or learning
more about the Care Team.
In addition to the Care Team staff listed above, the Care Team's membership includes
leadership from the following departments:
Counseling and Psychiatry
USCPD and the Threat Management Team
Residence Life
Student Health and Well-Being
Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
Faculty representation
Student Success Center
When to Make a Care Team Referral
If You Have Observed
Suicide attempt or talking about suicide
Illegal drug use
Disordered eating
Self-harming behaviors
Emotional distress
Substance use
Unusual behavior
Victimization
Grief
Emotional distress
Signs to Look For
Significant changes in energy
Frequent state of intoxication
Significant weight loss
Worrisome changes in hygiene
Noticeable cuts, bruises and burns
Sleeping in class or at other inappropriate times
Inappropriate emotional outbursts
Direct statements indicating distress
Expressions of hopelessness or suicide
Peer concerns for another student
Exaggerated personality traits (more withdrawn or animated than usual)
There are a number of responses the Care Team may take when we receive a referral.
After a review of concerns in the Care Team referral, we may give you a phone call
to check-in and/or send you the information for a resource we believe may be helpful
to you.
Other times, we may invite you to a meeting to speak one on one about the concern
for you. The purpose of the meeting is to determine an action plan moving forward
that will promote your well-being and success at USC. In some instances, the Care
Team may ask you to participate in an assessment by Counseling and Psychiatry Services.
If you feel more comfortable having an advisor with you during the meeting, please
invite them and we will make accommodations. This person can be a family member, parent,
attorney, student, faculty or staff member. Please note that because the meeting is
confidential, students must sign a release form [pdf] to permit the advisor to have access to the case.
In some cases, the Care Team may schedule an appointment for you at Counseling and
Psychiatry Services.
The assessment process generally consists of 1-2 hour-long sessions. Counseling and
Psychiatry will provide you and the Care Team with a treatment recommendation after
your assessment.
After receiving a recommendation from Counseling and Psychiatry, the Care Team may
then schedule a Case Management Meeting to discuss the treatment recommendation, assist
you in setting up appointments with your treatment provider, and answer any questions
you may have.
If you are referred to an off-campus treatment facility, we will connect you with
a Case Manager who will support you in finding a provider and ensure the proper documentation
is provided to the Care Team. For your first appointment at an off-campus treatment
facility, take your insurance information and expect to complete initial paperwork
and an assessment.
If you are providing proof of treatment after participating in the Care Team Process,
or, if you are providing verification of treatment in order to bypass a Care Team
assessment, please fill out the form linked below.
Care Team cases are not punitive and will not appear on your academic record or transcript.
Case records are kept confidential and will not be shared without written permission,
unless there is an immediate health or safety risk.
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.