There is a lot of talk about wellbeing at NMU, but action is a lot more important than talk. So what resources are we actually creating to support your wellbeing? One important resource is our new CARE Team.

What is the CARE Team? CARE stands for “Case Administration and Resource Education,” but in simple terms the CARE Team is a group of people who are available to support and guide any student at NMU who is going through a difficult time – whether it be academically, emotionally or psychologically.

The CARE Team is different than our Counseling and Consultation Services; CARE Team members work with you using a case management model to help you achieve your desired outcome. Think of them as your personal champion to help guide you through whatever you’re dealing with, while keeping you accountable to the commitment you made to yourself.

You can utilize the CARE Team as little, or as much, as you need! The CARE Team is not a disciplinary entity, it’s a collection of people available to support your wellbeing. Led by Emily Meier and comprised of personnel with expertise in student affairs, academic affairs, human resources, mental and physical health, student conduct and campus safety, the CARE Team is there to address the unique needs and challenges students may face.

Any student looking to take advantage of the CARE Team can sit down with a representative to discuss your situation who will then open a case, ask questions about what’s going on, gather relevant information, work with you to determine the services you may need and co-design an action plan using a strengths-based approach to help you succeed. This can include educating you about and connecting you with campus and community resources, as well as facilitating any necessary conversations with additional Northern faculty and staff.

Last April, Northern Michigan University became just the 17th university in the world to adopt the Okanagan Charter, a landmark document that serves as a guide for educational institutions worldwide to prioritize and enhance the health and wellbeing of their students, faculty, staff and communities. The Okanagan Charter has two calls to action: embed health into all aspects of campus culture, across the administration, operations and academic mandates; and lead health promotion action and collaboration locally and globally.

The CARE Team is a crucial resource in furtherance of our commitment under the Okanagan Charter to our campus community. But even more important, the CARE Team is another way for Northern to help support your success academically, professionally, and personally. 

Brock Tessman, Ph.D. is the 17th President of Northern Michigan University.

The CARE Team can be reached by email at [email protected], phone at (906)227-1403, or at nmu.edu/wellbeing/care-team.