Leatherneck Care Report

First Year Experience

Leatherneck Care Referral

Western Illinois University is committed to the emotional and physical well-being of all students, as well as their academic success. The Leatherneck Care Referral program offers an easy-to-use tool to share nonemergency-related concerns about student behaviors and potential barriers to success. Staff from the Student Development and Success Center lead the coordination of the Leatherneck Care Referral program and are trained to assist.

Any individual connected with the Western Illinois University community is welcome to submit a Leatherneck Care Referral. Upon submission, the referrer will receive an email receipt confirming the referral, which indicates staff will activate a coordinated response to support the student or students involved.

If a concern involves an immediate safety risk to self or others, please call 911 or the Office of Public Safety at 309-298-1949. Leatherneck Care Referrals are for nonemergency-related concerns only.

What happens after I submit a Leatherneck Care Referral?

Once a student has been identified as needing support, appropriate staff will respond with an inclusive and suitable response to that particular concern and will connect with the individual to help resolve the issue. Connection methods include emails, phone calls, personal check-ins, communication with academic staff, and meetings with other professionals. The appropriateness of each connection method is determined on a case-by-case basis.

What kinds of behaviors or concerns should be referred?

Nonemergency-related concerns can be referred via a Leatherneck Care Referral. Barriers to student success can range from academic, behavioral, emotional, physical, and social concerns.

Any one of these signs may simply mean a student is having an "off" day; however, please note anyone who displays a serious sign or cluster of small signs may have an impact on student success. When in doubt, please report. Staff will seek to determine whether an expressed concern is an isolated event or a sign a student may need additional support.

When should I submit a Leatherneck Care Referral and when should I contact University police?

If the concern is urgent or you have any concern about a student's safety, call the Office of Public Safety at 309-298-1949 or 911. If you are concerned about a student and it is not an emergency situation, fill out a Leatherneck Care Referral.

How does submitting a Leatherneck Care Referral benefit a student?

Staff identify students of concern and redresses threats to student retention. Staff will work to recognize and bridge the gap between poor academic performance, financial needs, social dysfunction, and emotional, behavioral, or medical issues. Based on the student's situation, staff members can provide the student with the appropriate resources for their specific needs.

Will I know the outcome of my referral?

Upon submission, you will receive an email receipt confirming the referral which indicates staff is activating a coordinated response to support the student or students involved. In some instances, you may be contacted if additional information is required that may impact the best approach to assist a student.

Please note privacy concerns and regulations prevent disclosure of specific details regarding the actions taken on a referral. You may not receive individual details on the actions taken from your referral for this reason.

Am I betraying trust if I submit a referral?

If you have concerns about a student’s behavior and would like to see the student receive early intervention, we strongly encourage you to share your concerns. Please do not promise confidentiality as you may likely have to break this promise if a student’s well-being is at stake. An acceptable response would be, “I cannot promise total confidentiality, but I promise I will only share this information with those who need to know and who can help.”