VandalCARE
We CARE about our Vandal family
At ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥, we prioritize the well-being and success of our students and employees. The VandalCARE Team is here to support individuals in distress by identifying concerns, coordinating appropriate interventions and ensuring follow-up care.
You can submit a VandalCARE referral for three types of concerns:
- CARE referral: For concerns about someone’s physical, mental or emotional well-being.
- Conduct referral: To report potential violations of U of I’s Student Code of Conduct.
- Sexual misconduct/discrimination referral: To report sexual misconduct or discrimination involving a member of the campus community.
If you consider the situation you are referring an emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
When to submit a referral
CARE referral
if you are concerned about someone’s wellbeing, safety or success. Some common concerns include:
- Mental health issues, suicidal ideation or self-harm
- Food insecurity or housing concerns
- Academic struggles or financial difficulties
- Interpersonal violence, harassment or threats
- Substance use concerns
Any behavior that seems disruptive, concerning or dangerous may warrant a referral.
Conduct referral
if you believe a student has violated the Student Code of Conduct, such as:
- Academic dishonesty violations (cheating, plagiarism, research misconduct)
- Alcohol and drug use (illegal possession, sale or use of substances)
- Misuse of university resources or property
Sexual misconduct/discrimination referral
if you are aware of:
- Sexual harassment or assault
- Stalking or relationship violence
- Discrimination or harassment based on gender, identity, or other protected characteristics
You can also contact the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations at 208-885-4285 for support.
Submit a Referral
What happens to a VandalCARE referral?
VandalCARE referrals are securely stored and only designated staff have access to the information and supplemental documentation supplied in the referral.
After submission:
- A case manager reviews the referral.
- They may follow up with a check in call, email or meeting.
- Some cases may be referred to the VandalCARE Team for additional support and resources.
Referrals do not appear on academic transcripts and are not shared with faculty or staff outside of the CARE process.
Confidential support resources
The Office of the Dean of Students, including case managers and CARE referrals, are not considered confidential resources. If you would like to talk to someone in a confidential role, please visit one of the offices below.
Confidential reporting locations do not disclose the information you share to the university, the police or anyone else without your permission or extenuating circumstances (e.g., imminent threat of harm).
Counseling and Mental Health Center
Forney Hall, 3rd Floor
208-885-6716 (24 hour crisis hotline)
Vandal Health Clinic
Student Health, Room 129
208-885-6693
Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse
Office campus, Palouse
208-883-HELP (4357) (24 hour crisis hotline)
Gritman Medical Center*
Off campus, S. Main Street
208-882-4511
*Gritman Medical Center will contact police and advocacy agencies, but it is your decision if you want to speak with an agency representative.
VandalCARE program: Frequently asked questionsÂ
The VandalCARE Team is here to support students, faculty, and staff in distress. If you have questions about the referral process or what to expect, check out our FAQs below or email us at vandalcare@uidaho.edu.
Who sees my referral?
Referrals are generally only accessible to the VandalCARE Team, which includes representatives from:
- Dean of Students Office (including Case Managers)
- Counseling and Mental Health Center
- Residence Life
- Office of Civil Rights and Investigations
- Campus Security and Moscow Police Department (as needed)
Can I remain anonymous?
Yes. Your name is not required on the CARE Referral Form. However, providing your contact information allows us to follow up if we need clarification. We do not disclose the identity of the person who submitted the referral during our outreach.
What should I include in my referral?
Provide as much detail as possible, including:
- Behaviors or concerns (absenteeism, distress, conversations)
- Names and identifying details (if ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥)
- Relevant documents, screenshots, or photos
- Contact information (if known)
The more details you provide, the better we can assess and support the individual.
What happens after I submit a referral?
A case manager will review the referral and reach out to the student to offer support and resources. This often includes a meeting to discuss ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ services and next steps.
I was asked to meet with a case manager. Am I in trouble?
No. VandalCARE is not punitive and does not appear on academic records. Our goal is to connect students with support and resources to help them navigate challenges.
Can I request to meet with a case manager?
Yes! VandalCARE support is ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ to all undergraduate, graduate, part-time and full-time students, whether on campus or online.
Schedule an appointment: Call 208-885-6757 or visit the Dean of Students Office in the Idaho Student Union Building. Walk-ins are welcome. ADA accommodations and virtual meetings are ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ on request.
Are meetings confidential?
Case managers are not a confidential resource, but they respect privacy under FERPA regulations. They are mandatory reporters, meaning they must report instances of:
- Sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination (Title IX)
- Threats of harm to self or others
- Endangerment of minors
Case managers may consult with other professionals when needed to best support the student.
What is the difference between case management and counseling?
While case management and counseling offer student support, they serve different roles:
- Case management: Connects students to resources for academic, financial, medical and personal challenges.
- Counseling: Provides clinical mental health treatment through therapy and professional interventions.
Case managers are not therapists but can help students find mental health resources on and off campus.
If you have more questions and/or concerns regarding this topic, please email vandalcare@uidaho.edu for more information.
What is the case manager’s role?
Case managers help students navigate challenges by connecting them with the right support. They provide:
- Mental health and wellness support
- Housing and food security assistance
- Financial aid and emergency resources
- Academic support and accommodations
- Community and social connections
Who can meet with a case manager?
- All undergraduate and graduate students
- Full-time and part-time students
- Online and remote students
- Students on leave or experiencing hardship withdrawals*
*Students are not required to be currently enrolled in classes to receive services. Students on a leave of absence, who have taken a hardship withdrawal or are otherwise temporarily unenrolled in classes are eligible for case management support.
Contact VandalCARE
When a VandalCARE referral is submitted, the referred student will often meet with a case manager — a highly trained professional who provides personalized support in mental health, academics and campus resources.
Case managers offer friendly, judgment-free guidance to help students navigate challenges and connect with the best resources for their needs. Whether it’s academic concerns, personal struggles or well-being support, they are here to help.
Beyond working directly with students, case managers also collaborate with departments and academic colleges across campus to provide training, support and additional resources for university employees.
Meet the VandalCARE team
John Hennrich
Director of student care and case management
208-885-6757
jhennrich@uidaho.edu
Emilie McLarnan
Case manager
208-885-6757
mclarnan@uidaho.edu
Beth Ropski
Case manager
208-885-1545
eropski@uidaho.edu
Cari Fealy
Associate dean of students
208-885-6757
carifealy@uidaho.edu
About VandalCARE
VandalCARE partners with departments across campus to gather resources and create individualized action plans for those in need.
Our approach is:
- Caring – We listen, support and connect students to the right help.
- Solution-oriented – Every situation is unique, and we tailor plans to each person’s needs.
- Collaborative – We work closely with campus partners to provide the best possible support.
A strong, supportive community helps all Vandals succeed. Your well-being and success matter, and we are here to help you.