December 2025 Insights: Supporting Student Well-Being

Our CARE Team closed out Fall 2025 strong, providing outreach to 586 students referred for support. As we transition into Spring 2026, it’s important to reflect on December trends and prepare for what’s ahead. This insight highlights key data from December and offers tips for a smooth start to the new semester.

December Overview : Reports & Key Concerns

We saw steady reporting activity with 58 CARE reports submitted online, representing 54 unique cases. Each student received personalized outreach from their assigned Case Manager to help them finish the semester successfully.

December often brings increased distress as students navigate finals, concerns about grades, and upcoming transitions. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) continued to be our most frequent referral, but we also saw an uptick in community resource connections, including COMCARE Community Crisis and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

A notable trend was grief-related concerns: 11 students reported the loss of a loved one. These students were provided with emotional support and resources to ensure they had access to help during winter break.

January Preview: What to Expect

As the new semester begins, we anticipate students disclosing transition challenges, feelings of being overwhelmed, and lack of connection or engagement. New routines, financial changes, and housing shifts can all trigger anxiety or disengagement.

Encourage students to connect with resources early and create an academic success plan—such as using the Shocker Learning Center, tutoring services, and knowing department office hours. Proactive engagement can prevent academic decline and reduce stress.

Call to Action: How Faculty & Staff Can Help

Faculty and staff play a critical role in early intervention. Here’s how you can help:

  • Document observations (dates, behaviors, impact).
  • Use supportive language when engaging with students.
  • Submit CARE reports early—small signals often precede crises.
  • Normalize help-seeking by reminding students that reaching out is common and effective.

Together, we build a stronger community of care.