January 2026 Insites: Welcome back to campus!
The CARE Team kicked off the spring semester by welcoming students back to campus and making sure support was readily available from day one. January brought exciting updates to the Shocker Share‑A‑Meal program, which helps address food insecurity by redistributing unused food from catered events. We also had the privilege of presenting at the Ad Astra Conference, where we spoke with First Generation students about mental health, transition, and identity.
January Overview : Reports & Key Concerns
In January, the CARE Team received 70 reports involving 61 unique students. Each report was assessed for risk and threat, then referred to Student Outreach & Support (SOS) for non‑clinical case management when appropriate.
The month remained active, with four transports from campus, including two EMS calls for medical concerns. We also received 11 reports of students who were hospitalized and unable to begin the semester. These students were referred to SOS to coordinate support and help ensure a smooth transition back into their coursework.
Top concerns reported in January included:
- Direct statements indicating distress
- Expressions of hopelessness, fear, or worthlessness
- Deterioration in quality of academic work
- Exceptions for Readmission (nine students met with us as part of their return-to-WSU plan)
- Family-related concerns
February Preview: What to Expect
February typically brings an uptick in reporting as academic pressures begin to build. By this point in the semester, faculty have submitted Student Early Alert Systems (SEAS) reports, flagging concerns related to assignments, quizzes, and attendance. Students with high SEAS indicators are often referred to the CARE Team for mental‑wellbeing support.
As these reports come in, the CARE Team will continue assessing for safety, risk, and threat, while proactively connecting students with case management and other resources.
Student Outreach & Support (SOS): Non-clinical Case Management
In January, SOS received 61 referrals from the CARE Team. Our primary focus remained on helping students access the care and resources they need to be successful. The most common referrals were to:
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Office of Student Accommodations and Testing (OSAT)
- Shocker Support Locker
Alongside our CARE Team chair, Alicia Newell, Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, SOS also presented at the Ad Astra Conference. Our session focused on mental health, transitions, and identity—specifically tailored for First Generation college students. We walked students through available resources and shared grounding techniques to use during moments of overwhelm or distress.
The Shocker Share‑A‑Meal program also launched its new alert system through Navigate, and sign‑ups are now open. We anticipate strong participation and increased utilization of this free resource. If you are interested in signing up, click here!