The Office of CARE and Case Management, within the Division of Student Affairs, promotes student well-being, persistence, and success by providing compassionate, strengths-based, and non-clinical support. Through assessment, outreach, intervention, advocacy, and coordination of campus and community resources, the office helps students navigate academic, personal, medical, and basic needs challenges while connecting them with the support needed to achieve their educational goals.
The office also coordinates the university’s Community Assistance and Risk Evaluation (CARE) Team and leads Basic Needs initiatives, including the campus food and necessities pantry and professional clothing closet. Through these efforts, the office fosters a coordinated, proactive approach to identifying concerns, reducing barriers, and supporting student success.
Need Support or Have a Concern?
If you are concerned about a student’s well-being, we encourage you to submit a CARE Referral using the form below. CARE Referrals help connect students with appropriate support and resources.
Please note that this form is not intended for emergency situations. If there is an immediate concern or a student’s safety or well-being is at risk, please contact University Police at 978.665.3111 at any time, day or night.
If you are unsure whether submitting a CARE Referral is the right step, or if you would like to discuss a concern before submitting a referral, please contact our office for guidance at care@fitchburgstate.edu, or by calling 978.665.3880.
How We Support Students
Case Managers provide personalized, non-clinical support to help students navigate circumstances that may affect their well-being, academic progress, or ability to persist and succeed at the university. Through a collaborative, student-centered process, Case Managers help students identify strengths, explore options, and develop individualized plans while building skills in areas such as self-advocacy, coping, distress tolerance, problem-solving, goal-setting, and positive behavioral change.
Case Managers also help students address barriers, navigate university processes, and connect with campus and community resources. Support may include resource coordination, advocacy alongside students, assistance with significant life transitions and basic needs concerns, the Leave of Absence process, and class absence notifications for qualifying circumstances. Case Managers may also connect students with resources for food, essential items, professional clothing, and other needs that support their ability to remain engaged and successful at the university.
Access to essential resources plays an important role in student well-being, persistence, and academic success. The Office of CARE and Case Management helps students address basic needs challenges by connecting them with resources, coordinating support, and reducing barriers that may affect their ability to engage and succeed at the university.
Through individualized support, Case Managers assist students with needs related to food, essential items, professional clothing, and other basic necessities. The office also manages the Falcon Bazaar: Food and Necessities Pantry and the Professional Clothing Closet, both located in the Hammond Campus Center.
Case Managers also collaborate with the Financial Aid Office and other campus partners to help students identify resources and funding options when financial challenges create barriers to success. Students experiencing basic needs concerns are encouraged to contact the Office of CARE and Case Management for individualized support and resource navigation.
Case Managers help students better understand and navigate university processes, policies, and available options. This may include support with student petitions, such as late withdrawal requests or other academic-related processes.
Depending on a student’s circumstances and needs, Case Managers may provide information about available processes, help students understand requirements, organize relevant information, prepare materials, and connect with appropriate university offices. Case Managers support students in advocating for themselves and navigating next steps but do not make decisions regarding petition outcomes or determine whether a request will be approved.
Case Managers may provide class absence notifications for students experiencing significant circumstances that substantially impact their ability to attend class or engage with academic responsibilities, in accordance with university processes. These notifications confirm a student’s connection with Case Management and support communication and resource coordination.
Class absence notifications are intended for significant circumstances and are not meant for minor illnesses, routine absences, or personal conflicts. A notification does not serve as an excused absence, guarantee academic flexibility, or require changes to course requirements. Students are responsible for communicating directly with their faculty members regarding attendance, missed coursework, deadlines, and course expectations. Case Managers can support students in navigating these conversations and connecting with available resources.
Case Managers support students as they transition back to the university following significant medical care, treatment, hospitalization, or other circumstances that may affect their ability to engage with campus.
Through individualized planning and resource coordination, Case Managers help students identify appropriate supports, reconnect with campus resources, and develop strategies to support their continued academic progress and well-being. Support may include connecting with campus partners, navigating university processes, and identifying resources based on each student’s unique circumstances and goals.
Case Managers support students through the university’s Leave of Absence process, including Personal, Medical, and Military Leaves of Absence. They help students understand the process, plan for their transition away from the university, connect with campus and community resources, and prepare for a successful return when appropriate.
Throughout the leave process, Case Managers work with students to identify needs, explore available resources, and maintain connection with the university when appropriate. Support during a leave or transition period is based on each student’s individual circumstances and goals.
Students considering a Leave of Absence or seeking more information about the process are encouraged to contact the Office of CARE and Case Management to discuss their options and available support.
Review the Leave of Absence Policy
Information regarding the process of taking a leave has been provided below.
When significant concerns arise regarding a student’s well-being or safety, Case Managers may conduct non-clinical risk assessments to better understand a student’s needs and determine appropriate levels of support. These assessments help inform individualized interventions, resource connections, and coordination with campus partners.
Case Managers use established assessment frameworks and training to consider relevant factors, document identified concerns, and develop appropriate support plans. Non-clinical risk assessment is focused on understanding needs and promoting student safety; it does not replace clinical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment services.
Interested in Training?
The Office of CARE and Case Management offers educational presentations and trainings for faculty, staff, student employees, and campus organizations on topics related to student well-being, CARE referrals, basic needs, helping students in distress, and other areas of student support.
Whether you're looking for a brief overview or a more in-depth program, our team can work with you to identify a training that meets the needs of your group.
Understanding Our Support Approach
The Office of CARE and Case Management provides individualized, non-clinical support focused on helping students navigate challenges, identify solutions, develop skills, and connect with appropriate resources. Case Managers partner with students to support self-advocacy, resource navigation, and goal development.
Given that Case Management support is non-clinical, Case Managers do not provide therapy, mental health treatment, medical care, or clinical diagnoses. When a student’s needs require specialized services, Case Managers help connect students with appropriate campus and community resources.
Student Support Resources
CARE Team
Here to address the needs of students facing a variety of concerns.
Student Support and Falcons Care Center
Nobody goes it alone and you won't either. Let us know how we can help.
Basic Needs Support
The Falcon Bazaar Necessity and Food Pantry serves our students, faculty, and staff who may suffer from food insecurity.
Information for Families and Supporters
Parents, family members, and other supporters are welcome to contact the Office of CARE and Case Management if they have concerns about a student or questions about available resources. While privacy laws may limit the information the Office can share about an individual student, Case Managers can listen to concerns, explain available support options, and discuss ways to encourage a student to connect with resources.
Whenever possible, students are encouraged to be active participants in conversations about their support and to communicate directly with the University about their needs.
CARE and Case Management Team
Joseph Flanagan
Oneirys DiBuono
Sara Dellechiaie
Geybrell Liriano
Leave of Absence Information
Students may consider a Leave of Absence when circumstances require time away from the University while maintaining the intention to return. The Office of CARE and Case Management assists students in understanding the Leave of Absence process, exploring available options, and planning for a successful transition and return.
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Leave of Absence process. Because every student's circumstances are unique, students are encouraged to contact the Office of CARE and Case Management to discuss their individual situation and receive personalized guidance.
Students considering a Leave of Absence are encouraged to contact the Office of CARE and Case Management to discuss their circumstances and available options. A Case Manager will help students understand the Leave of Absence process, determine the appropriate type of leave, review any required documentation, and provide guidance throughout the process.
Whenever possible, students should connect with the Office before withdrawing from classes or leaving the university. If unexpected circumstances prevent a student from communicating directly with the university, the Office of CARE and Case Management will work with the student and appropriate campus partners to provide guidance and support once the situation is brought to our attention.
An approved Leave of Absence allows students to take time away while maintaining a pathway for returning to the university within the next semester or two. Withdrawals are for students who wish to leave the university entirely, or do not intend to return to the university for a prolonged or unknown period of time. Students seeking a Withdrawal should contact the Office of Student Affairs.
Medical Leave
A Medical Leave may be appropriate when a medical condition significantly affects your ability to safely or effectively participate in your academic program or campus life. Medical Leaves may be approved for a defined or undetermined period of time and require documentation from a medical provider or clinician when requesting the leave and again before returning to the University.
Military Leave
A Military Leave is available for students whose military service or obligations prevent them from participating in their academic program. Military Leaves require documentation of military orders or service requirements and may remain in effect for the duration of the student's military obligations.
Personal Leave
A Personal Leave may be appropriate when personal circumstances temporarily interfere with your ability or desire to continue your academic program but do not meet the criteria for a Medical or Military Leave. Personal Leaves are typically approved for one semester and generally do not require third-party documentation.
The length of a Leave of Absence depends on the type of leave and the student’s individual circumstances. Medical and Military Leaves may remain open-ended based on the circumstances supporting the leave. Personal Leaves are typically approved for one semester unless otherwise approved by the Office of CARE and Case Management.
Students are encouraged to maintain communication with the university while on leave. Students who do not maintain contact with the university for more than two consecutive semesters may be moved to a withdrawn status.
When you are ready to return to the university, the process will depend on the type of Leave of Absence you were approved for.
- Students returning from a Medical Leave of Absence must work with the Office of CARE and Case Management to complete the return process. This includes submitting documentation from a healthcare provider supporting the student’s readiness to return. Case Managers will guide students through the process, coordinate with appropriate campus partners, and help identify supports that may contribute to a successful transition back to the university.
- Students returning from a Military Leave of Absence or Personal Leave of Absence should contact the Registrar’s Office to indicate their intent to return and receive assistance with next steps related to enrollment.
- The Office of CARE and Case Management is available to support students throughout the transition process and help connect students with appropriate resources as they prepare to return.
A Leave of Absence may affect your financial aid, student account balance, and other financial responsibilities. Because the impact varies based on your individual circumstances, students should connect with the appropriate university offices for guidance.
Financial Aid: A Leave of Absence does not automatically pause federal loan repayment. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss their individual situation, including questions about loan deferment or how a leave may impact their financial aid eligibility.
Student Accounts: If you have questions about outstanding balances, charges, or potential refunds, the Office of CARE and Case Management can assist you in understanding the Tuition Appeal process when appropriate. Tuition Appeals are the process used to request consideration of account balances or potential refunds related to extenuating circumstances.
Military Leave: Students approved for a Military Leave of Absence should consult with the appropriate university offices regarding adjustments to charges and military tuition and fee benefits.
Students living in university housing are not able to maintain their room assignment while on a Leave of Absence. Residential students should work with the Office of Residence Life regarding move-out timelines and any questions related to their housing arrangements.
If a Leave of Absence creates concerns related to housing, food, transportation, or other basic needs, students are encouraged to connect with the Office of CARE and Case Management for support and resource coordination.