Despite the fact that most students are home for the summer, officials in the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) are working to keep everyone safe even while schools aren’t in session.

Each of the district’s seven campuses includes a CARE (Campus Assessment, Response and Evaluation) team. They accept referrals for students struggling academically, emotionally or physically. Mental health and basic needs are emphasized.

The group’s website lists the following signs to look for: changes in demeanor, drastic grooming changes, appearing distressed, suicidal remarks, exaggerated emotional responses, disruptive behavior, making threats and referencing guns.

CARE team headquarters at Richland College, the campus nearest to Sachse, is located El Paso Hall, room E-082. Its phone number is 972-238-3771 and email is [email protected].

Another resource is Title IX, offered nationwide. Enforced by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, it helps victims of gender-based discrimination, harassment or sexual misconduct. Discrimination can include harassment and interpersonal violence such as stalking and violence.

Title IX coordinators at DCCCD investigate allegations of sexual misconduct, regardless of whether or not the person is a student, staff member or campus visitor.

Coordinators at Richland College can be reached at 972-761-6852 or [email protected]. The district’s coordinator is LaShawn Grant, 214-378-1633 or [email protected].

DCCCD also has its own police department. Calling 911 from a campus phone is a direct line to their office, and they can be reached at 972-860-4290 from other phones.

Hearing-impaired students, or those who prefer to text, can text “DCCCD” to 67283 for assistance.

Richland College’s police department is located at Pecos Hall, room P160.

Besides offering responding to emergencies, campus police also offer escorts, battery jumps, monitoring alarms, patrolling campuses and enforcing laws.

For more stories like this, see the June 20 issue or subscribe online.

From Staff Reports • [email protected]