COM Cares

A CARE Alert should NOT be used for emergency situations. If there is an emergency, please call the police.

Submit a Care Alert

Concerned about someone? Your COMCares team can help.

COMCares is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to supporting the well-being and safety of our entire campus community, including faculty, staff, and students alike. Through a range of services and resources, we strive to ensure that everyone within our community feels supported and empowered to thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.

Let's work together to cultivate a culture of care through consultation, advocacy, resources, and education to enhance individual well-being and foster a safe and supportive campus environment.

How to Submit a CARE Alert

A CARE Alert is a notification system designed to alert the COMCares team about concerns regarding the well-being or safety of a member of our community.

It can be used to mobilize support or assistance for someone who may be experiencing distress or facing a challenging situation.

When & What to Report

A CARE Alert should be submitted whenever there are concerns about the well-being, safety, or welfare of a member of our college community. It's essential to report a CARE Alert promptly to ensure that appropriate action can be taken to address the situation and provide the necessary support or intervention. Instances when you should submit a CARE Alert could include:

Concerning Behaviors

  • Behavior indicating emotional or psychological distress
  • Expressions of suicidal thoughts or intentions
  • Engaging in self-harm or destructive behaviors
  • Extreme changes in mood or behavior, such as sudden withdrawal or aggression
  • Substance abuse or excessive alcohol consumption
  • Persistent signs of anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues
  • Unexplained physical injuries or signs of neglect
  • Threats of violence towards oneself or others
  • Persistent academic or job performance decline
  • Social withdrawal or isolation
  • Stalking or harassing behavior towards others

Disruptive Behaviors

  • Verbal aggression or yelling
  • Intentionally disrupting meetings, classes, or events
  • Refusal to comply with reasonable requests or instructions
  • Excessive use of profanity or inappropriate language, Intimidating or threatening behavior towards others
  • Excessive use of electronic devices that disrupt others (e.g., loud phone conversations)
  • Persistent lateness or absenteeism without valid reasons
  • Vandalism or damage to property
  • Theft or unauthorized use of resources, any behavior that creates a hostile or uncomfortable environment for others

Threatening Behaviors

  • Direct verbal threats of harm or violence towards an individual or group
  • Displaying weapons or making gestures that suggest the intent to harm
  • Stalking or repeatedly following someone against their will
  • Sending intimidating or harassing messages, whether in person, via phone calls, emails, or social media
  • Physical intimidation such as invading personal space, blocking someone's path, or making aggressive gestures
  • Making threats of harm to property or belongings
  • Coercive behavior aimed at controlling or manipulating others through fear
  • Nonverbal cues such as glaring, clenched fists, or other aggressive body language
  • Threats of retaliation for reporting misconduct or seeking help
  • Any behavior that instills a reasonable fear for one's safety or well-being

A CARE Alert should NOT be used for emergency situations

If you are in an emergency, please call the police.

If calling from the main campus

1-888-258-8599 (or 8599 from a campus phone)

409-933-8599

If off-campus or on a satellite location

Call 9-1-1

How to Submit a CARE Alert

Submit a Care Alert

What to Expect

Once submitted, CARE Alerts are reviewed during normal business hours by CARE team members. While evaluating the submission, referrals or services are identified to best meet the person's needs and goals.

The team will work to identify the appropriate supports and resources to the person of concern. Please note that each situation is different and requires an individualized approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COMCares

COM Cares is a comprehensive initiative dedicated to supporting the well-being and safety of our entire campus community, including faculty, staff, and students alike. Through a range of services and resources, we strive to ensure that everyone within our community feels supported and empowered to thrive in their academic and professional pursuits.

What is a Care Alert?

A CARE Alert is a notification system designed to alert the COMCares team about concerns regarding the well-being or safety of a member of our community. It can be used to mobilize support or assistance for someone who may be experiencing distress or facing a challenging situation.

Who can submit a CARE Alert?

Anyone can submit a COM Alert including faculty, staff, students and community members.

When should I submit a CARE Alert?

A CARE Alert should be submitted whenever there are concerns about the well-being, safety, or welfare of a member of the community. It's essential to report a care alert promptly to ensure that appropriate action can be taken to address the situation and provide the necessary support or intervention.

How do I submit a CARE Alert?
Should I submit a CARE Alert if there is an emergency that involves an imminent risk of harm to self or others?

No. A CARE Alert should NOT be used for emergency situations. If you are in an emergency, call the police.

  • If calling from the main campus: 1-888-258-8599 (or 8599 from a campus phone) OR 409-933-8599.
  • If off-campus or on a satellite location, call 9-1-1.

Meet the Team

The COMCares team is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of professionals who are dedicated to the well-being and safety of our campus community.

Dr. Helen Castellanos Brewer

Executive Vice President, Academic & Student Affairs
409-933-8213
hbrewer1@com.edu

Diane Burkett

Executive Director of Marketing & Public Affairs
409-933-8106
dburkett5@com.edu

Michael McGee

Executive Director of Human Resources
409-933-8324
mmcgee5@com.edu

Dr. Marita Esposito

Student Conduct Officer
409-933-8957
mesposito@com.edu

Theresa Jones

Director, Testing
409-933-8449
tjones@com.edu

Vanessa Walker

Lieutenant
409-933-8782
vwalker1@com.edu

Sonia Kucuch

Executive Administrative Assistant, Student Affairs
409-933-8712
skukuch@com.edu

Dr. Sarah David

Director, Equal Opportunity & Title IX
409-933-8413
sdavid3@com.edu

Michelle Brezina

Dean, Student Services
409-933-8124
mvaldes1@com.edu

Kimberly Lachney

Student Accessibility Services Coordinator
409-933-8919
klachney@com.edu

Dr. Victor Vega-Vasquez

Dean of Instruction
409-933-8181
vvega2@com.edu

Rodney Meyers

Chief of Police
409-933-8546
rmeyers@com.edu

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