Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, only members of the VandalCARE team can see a report.

The CARE team is a multidisciplinary team made up of Dean of Students, the Associate Dean of Students, Case Managers, a Counseling and Mental Health Center representative, a Residence Life representative, an Office of Civil Rights and Investigations representative, a Moscow Police Department representative, and campus security.

The reporter's name is not a required field on the CARE Report Form so yes, you can remain anonymous. However, it can be very helpful for us to be able to follow up with you and ask questions to clarify the situation. It is our practice to not disclose who filed a report in meeting with the person of concern.

In addition to including details regarding the concerning behaviors, conversations, or absenteeism causing you to file a report, you should typically should include the name(s) and/or identifying information of the individual(s) involved, any relevant documents, screenshots, photos, etc., and any contact information you may have (phone number, email, address, etc.). Most importantly, please provide as much detail as possible (context, past behaviors, quotes, etc.). Anything you can provide will help!

After a report is made a Case Manager will reach out to the student to offer support and campus and community resources. This can look different depending on the reason/area of concern, but will generally result in a meeting to review resources and services.

VandalCARE is not a punitive process, and it is not noted on any academic records. VandalCARE is a way to connect members of the Vandal family to services and resources to help them address the challenges of university life.  

We encourage you to do so. VandalCARE support is available to all currently enrolled part-time and full-time undergraduate, non-degree seeking, and graduate students, whether you are taking classes on campus or online.

You can call the Dean of Students office at 208-885-6757 to schedule an appointment (Walk-ins are welcome as well). The Dean of Students office is located in the Idaho Student Union Building. We can arrange ADA accommodations for meetings with advance notice, and can schedule phone meetings if you are not located in Moscow.

Case Managers are not a confidential resource. Information shared and gathered in VandalCARE sessions are protected by FERPA and treated with respect to privacy. Case Managers will report necessary information to appropriate authorities as required by law, including situations that pose a threat to self or others or where a minor may be in danger.

Case Managers are mandatory reporters under federal law. Disclosures of sexual assault, interpersonal violence, sexual harassment, hostile environments, and acts of bias may require reporting to the Title IX Coordinator and the Office of Civil Rights and Investigations.

Also, from time to time, a Case Manager may consult on cases with other staff within the Dean of Students Office, CARE Team, or various campus offices. Information is discussed in terms of what is pertinent to the consultation, and may include the disclosure of case notes.

Non-clinical case management and counseling are both vital components of support services. While they share similarities and can often feel similar, they have very distinct differences. Because these differences may appear subtle, it is important to define them.

Non-clinical case management primarily focuses on coordinating support and resources to meet the practical and tangible needs (academic, housing, financial, medical, mental health and so forth) of students. Clinical counseling primarily focuses on facilitating personal growth, emotional well-being,and behavior change through therapeutic interventions and treatment planning.

Case managers assist students who face complex challenges that could affect their ability to succeed in an academic setting. Additionally, case managers empower students to build and strengthen their support systems in the campus, the community and in student’s overall lives. Case managers use assessments and intervention strategies to address students’ immediate needs and promote long-term student success. Counselors often rely on regular, ongoing sessions and use evidence-based therapeutic techniques to help students overcome challenges and improve an individual’s mental health. Additionally, counselors typically hold advanced degrees in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field, as well as hold state and/or national licensures. This establishes clear ethical guidelines, legal requirements and professional boundaries considerations. While case managers may hold advanced degrees and use a similar skill set, their primary focus is on resource coordination and advocacy.

Another important difference in non-clinical case management and counseling is client confidentiality and mandatory reporting. Although non-clinical case managers adhere to ethical standards related to students’ privacy, advocacy and autonomy, they are not a confidential resource.

In summary, while both non-clinical case management and counseling involve helping individuals adjust to transitions and improve their lives, they differ in focus, scope, professional background, duration and ethical considerations. Case management primarily assists students through challenges and empowers students to navigate toward degree completion. The case manager fosters a supportive relationship with students, addressing practical needs and resource coordination, while the counselor focuses on emotional well-being and behavior change through therapeutic interventions.

If you have more questions and/or concerns regarding this topic, please email vandalcare@uidaho.edu for more information.

The case manager provides goal-oriented and strengths-based assessment, intervention and coordination of services to students experiencing physical, emotional, academic and/or psychological difficulties. The case manager is a connector, a person who connects individuals with resources, provides referral options and ensures students have access to the care they need during their time at the university.

Examples of support/resources:

• Mental Health
• Housing
• Financial and food insecurity support
• Medical Provider
• Academic Support
• Community and social connection
• Difficulty with adjusting to university life
• And more...

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Full-time students
• Part-time students
• Online/remote students
• All U of I campuses

*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.

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