Student Health and Wellness

The Wellness Team is a multidisciplinary group that addresses concerning or threatening behaviors of North Park University students. The team promotes the safety and well-being of the university community while providing a framework for information sharing and developing support plans for students of concern. The Wellness Team serves as an early intervention team overseeing behavioral assessment, intervention, and response.

North Park community members should report concerning or threatening behaviors by submitting an EARS referral. Refer to the distressed student protocol if you are unsure whether to submit an EARS referral or need more immediate assistance.

If a student needs immediate medical attention, call 911 and Campus Safety at (773) 244-5600.

Once an EARS referral is submitted, Student Engagement staff will reach out to offer support and connect the student to campus resources. Some referrals or reports may indicate urgent or highly critical concerns, such as multiple reports about the same student or a single serious incident. These are considered critical cases.

The Wellness Team reviews critical cases, observing confidentiality laws and standards. Discussions focus on the student’s interactions on campus and in the community, identifying communication and support resources, and developing an action plan. The team aims to address concerns proactively but can respond quickly when necessary for student safety and well-being.

The Wellness Team meets as needed, in person or virtually, depending on the urgency of the referral.

The Wellness Team is not a disciplinary body. Reports that may involve a code of conduct violation are referred to the appropriate University officials.

• Provide a mechanism for reporting concerns about the behavior of community members.

• Monitor and respond to multiple concerns about the same individual or single urgent concerns.

• Identify “critical cases” and coordinate appropriate responses, referring non-critical issues as needed.

• Conduct initial risk assessments and develop support plans within University policies, providing follow-up as needed.

• Recommend actions and share information with University entities, faculty, and staff, as appropriate.

• Connect students with campus services and maintain ongoing dialogue regarding behavioral concerns.

• Make recommendations, as allowed by University policy, such as Medical Leave of Absence or Involuntary Withdrawal.

• Elizabeth Fedec, Assistant Vice President/Dean of Students (chair)
• Skyy Barney, Student Care Coordinator
• Terrance Gadsden, Campus Pastor and Athletic Chaplain
• Amy Governale, Faculty member
• Julia Guzman, Director of Health Services
• MaLinda Lee, Director of Counseling Support Services
• Eric McQuaid, Assistant Director of Athletics and Athletic Healthcare
• Vanessa Serrano, Access Specialist Coordinator
• Grace So, Director of Residence Life and Housing
• John Swanson, Director of Campus Safety
• Additional colleagues may join depending on the case or needed expertise (e.g., Seminary/Graduate representative, international affairs representative).

Team membership may change over time to meet the needs of North Park students.

North Park University prohibits retaliation against anyone who reports concerning or threatening behavior in good faith, whether through an EARS referral or directly to a Wellness Team member. Students undergoing a Wellness Team evaluation will be treated respectfully, and action plans will remain as confidential as possible while allowing implementation of necessary support.

Disruptive Behaviors

• Actions, omissions, or verbal/written statements inconsistent with what a reasonable, prudent person would do under similar circumstances.

• May result from physical, drug-related, or psychiatric disorders that could harm the student or others or disrupt University activities.

• Typically observable, including electronic communications (e.g., email, social media, online classroom postings).

Uncharacteristic Behavior

• Sudden or unusual changes in behavior or patterns

• Extreme reactions to loss or trauma

• Uncharacteristically poor performance

• Signs of depression, hopelessness, or suicidal thoughts/plans

• Inappropriate responses such as prolonged irritability, angry outbursts, or intense reactions

• Strained relationships, isolation, or low self-esteem

• Significant life changes, such as loss of a job or relationship

For questions about the Wellness Team, contact the Dean of Students at (773) 244-5664.