Assessment and Care Team (ACT)

Assessment and Care Team (ACT)

Mission Statement

The Assessment and Care Team consists of a multi-disciplinary group of ACC employees including counselors, faculty, police, and student services staff. The ACT is committed to providing ACC staff, employees and students with supportive resources through a practical, collaborative, and thoughtful approach to the prevention, identification, assessment, intervention and holistic management of situations that may be disruptive in a student’s academic progress or to the well-being of campus employees. To educate and empower all members of the College community, resources and procedures are available to prevent, deter, and respond to concerns. The ACT offers assistance to departments and individuals in determining indicators that may be of concern along with resources to support the learning environment.

Reporting Concerns to the Assessment and Care Team

Report all incidents and concerns that you have regarding an individual's behavior to the ACT, including as much detail as possible about the behavior/incident. Use your judgment as to what should be reported, erring on the side of over-reporting if in doubt. Submit your report HERE.

Tips For Recognizing Distressed Students

Marked Changes in Academic Performance or Behavior

  • Excessive absences or tardiness
  • Repeated requests for special consideration,
    especially when this represents a change verbally or in written assignments from previous functioning
  • Inability to concentrate
  • Significant decrease in academic performance
  • Unusual or changed pattern of behavior
  • Avoiding participation or sudden withdrawal from others
  • Dominating discussions
  • Excessively anxious when called upon
  • Disruptive, verbally aggressive or physically aggressive behavior
  • Exaggerated emotional responses
  • Easily agitated

References to Suicide, Homicide or Death

  • Talk of helplessness, hopelessness, or despair
  • References to suicidal thoughts and feelings,
  • verbally or in written assignments
  • Jokes publicly about killing him/herself
  • Suddenly withdrawing from organizations or clubs
  • Giving away possessions
  • Preoccupation with death
  • Preoccupation with violent acts
  • Homicidal threats

Unusual Behavior or Appearance

  • Marked change in mood, motor activity, speech
  • Hyperactivity or very rapid speech
  • Swollen, red eyes or bloodshot eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Change in personal hygiene or dress
  • Appears sad or exhausted
  • Dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Sleeping in class
  • Strange or bizarre behavior indicating loss of contact with reality
  • Speech that is disjointed, tangential, fragmented or not based in reality