Overview:
As a part of its overarching mission, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health seeks to promote the well-being and success of all its students. In 2018 the Care Team was established to support the school’s mission to foster an environment where students are able to thrive in their pursuit of advancing the public’s health.
The Care Team works to holistically support students encountering challenges that impact their ability to effectively engage in their program of study. The Care Team meets regularly throughout the year to collaboratively and thoughtfully consider each student case.
Mission
The Care Team systematically identifies and assesses student support cases and recommends courses of action to provide a pathway to academic success. This work in turn informs revisions to policies and protocols.
Students of Concern
Faculty, staff, students, and others who are concerned about the safety or behavior of a student are encouraged to talk to the student directly, and/or refer the student to the Care Team for assistance.
Some of the circumstances one may consider contacting the Care Team about a student of concern are:
- academic or personal distress
- emergency/crisis situations
- concerning or unsafe behavior
- post-hospitalization support
- financial hardship
- death or serious illness of a family member
- personal health and safety needs
- other extenuating circumstances
For additional guidance on recognizing and helping students of concern please refer to this resource from Harvard University Health Services: Assisting Students in Distress
The Student Hardship Fund
The Student Hardship Fund (formerly the Student Emergency Fund) is designed to provide temporary, short-term financial assistance to students in degree programs who are managing demanding academic requirements while struggling with unanticipated or emergency financial situations.
For more information about The Student Hardship Fund how students can apply please click here.
The Care Team is involved with reviewing applications to The Student Hardship Fund on an as needed basis.
Harvard Chan Crimson Folder
The Harvard Chan Crimson Folder (formerly the Red Folder) is a quick reference guide to support resources. It was developed to help faculty, staff and graduate teaching/research assistants prepare to support students by learning how to recognize signs of distress, respond to student’s needs with attention and empathy, and appropriately refer students to resources.
