Cougar Care Network Marks 10 Years as a Campus Hub for Connection

Cougar Care Network Marks 10 Years as a Campus Hub for Connection

By Cyndi Cunningham

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Built on listening first and guiding without judgment, the Cougar Care Network enters its second decade as a trusted stop for students seeking practical help, community and a path forward.

The Cougar Care Network (CCN) launched in fall 2015 as part of Cal State San Marcos' Early Support Initiative within the Student Outreach and Referral (SOAR) program. Patty Diaz worked in Student Affairs and was the SOAR coordinator. Today, Diaz is the coordinator of CCN.

"It's an incredible feeling to witness something you've helped build flourish," Diaz said. "I'm proud of what Cougar Care Network has become and the positive reputation it has gained among students, faculty and the entire campus community. Together we are making a real difference in the lives of students."

SOAR was the primary referral source for faculty teaching first-year and underserved students. It operated like a concierge: students visited the office, where they were routed to other campus support systems, such as counseling or academic services. In fall 2016, SOAR rebranded as part of CCN. Today, CCN is a trusted place for students to build community while at CSUSM.

"It's fantastic," said Donna Davis, CCN director. "It's wonderful that the university has embraced us so much. And students know enough about us to walk right in with anything on their minds, knowing they can get some help. So we are honored by that every day."

Davis joined CCN in 2022 and became the program's director in 2023.

"This team, they care so deeply," Davis said. "We have a very dedicated group of professionals here that are creative, energized and excited to help students. I am so beyond honored to work with this group, and that is what's kept me here through it all."

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As CCN has grown over the past decade, so has the number of students it serves. During the 2024 academic year, it managed 4,620 student cases, a 58% increase from the previous year, according to CCN. There were an average of 20 new cases each day, and students expressed appreciation for the ease of being able to drop into the office to get immediate help with their concerns.

While CCN does not offer long-term therapy, a majority of the cases involve mental health. The staff can provide advice and resources for issues like day-to-day anxiety, the stress after failing a test, or the emotional rollercoaster of going through a breakup. The team also helps students take their first step toward visiting counseling services on campus.

"We spend a lot of time walking beside students until they are ready to take that step," Davis said.

Visiting CCN is easy and accessible. Students can email or submit a referral form to schedule a visit, or drop in to Administrative Building 1200, Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Professors can refer students and an assigned staff member will reach out to the student to check in and invite them to visit.

"Once we connect with them, we're always going to make that person feel as comfortable as they can," Davis said.

One way CCN helps students feel comfortable during their visits is by offering a treasure chest in the office. Filled with items like facial masks, notebooks, fidget toys and mugs, the treasure chest began as a form of staff appreciation and evolved into a fun activity for students to engage with during their visits. The treasure chest also offers students the opportunity to visit the office and become familiar with the staff while they're still deciding if they're ready to talk to someone.

Another entry point is the Cougar Care Network cart, introduced in the fall of 2023. The cart is operated by service-learning students as an informal, peer-to-peer way for students to learn more about the program and build connections at CSUSM, so they know support is available.

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"We are students ourselves. We're not faculty or staff," said Fernando Vasquez Rendon, a fourth-year psychology major and service-learning student with CCN. "Knowing that we're also students adds a sense of trust and relatability."

Vasquez Rendon said he understands why some students may feel nervous about approaching the cart, and encourages them to interact with it and see what it has to offer. He said students often express gratitude for the cart, those who work it, and the free items and resources it carries.

"Please, come up to the cart. We're always happy to chit-chat," he said. "I'm always open and I really want students to know that I and the team are here to really listen and support."

"One of the best parts is seeing a student for the first time and their interaction with the cart. Those interactions are what make this role beautiful, and I think those moments are really important."

CCN also uses the cart as a tool to help students connect with the University Student Union centers. For example, Davis explained that for students curious about the Pride Center but hesitant to walk alone, the card serves as a bridge, as students might walk into the center when the cart is there.

"We know that there needs to be this kindness movement right now," Davis said. "We know students are isolated and lonely. And regardless of how much social media they have - and the people they can connect with online - they're still feeling alone on the inside. So the cart was started as a way to go over to students who are sitting alone and introduce them to the cart, because sometimes that's the only person that student may talk to all day."

Lizet Palestina, another service-learning student with the CCN and a criminology major in her final semester, shared how she uses the cart to start conversations with students sitting alone.

"I think it's easier for students to talk to us, rather than a staff member," Palestina said.

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Once the conversation is underway, Palestina and other service-learning students take the opportunity to inform students about campus resources, such as the CCN, Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS), the Cougar Pantry and workshops.

"There are a lot of students who are by themselves, and sometimes they'll be nervous. But once you get the conversation going, they're a lot more open," she said. "It's as simple as asking if they want a little duck, and then you keep the conversation going."

The mini ducks are one of the main reasons students approach the cart. Vasquez Rendon said it's common to see students visiting the cart to add more ducks to their collection. The ducks serve as a small symbol to remind students that they're not alone.

"Put it in your pocket, keep it in your book bag. But take it out and physically hold onto it as a reminder that we believe in you and know that you got this," Davis said.

Along with the standard mini ducks, CCN also releases special edition ducks for campus events. During a Commuter Breakfast event, the cart featured ducks in cars. In a previous collaboration with SHCS, a duck in a fry basket was offered in reference to the F.R.I.E.S. program on consent. F.R.I.E.S. describes consent as something freely given, reversible, Informed, enthusiastic and specific.

CCN also rotates the cart's theme and available items based on cultural events and student feedback. Vasquez Rendon shared that the team is working to update the cart's theme for Dia de los Muertos and to provide cultural information about the holiday.

"The cart is always changing as the student population changes," he said. "I want students to know that the conversations we have don't fall on deaf ears. If they bring up questions, comments or concerns, I always relay it back to the team."

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Alongside the service-learning students, CCN also has a staff of Master of Social Work (MSW) interns who provide support to students. Vasquez Rendon plans to apply to the MSW program for the fall 2026 cohort.

Davis shared that community donations and grant funding are crucial to ensuring that CCN can provide students the support they need. CCN is a part of the university's Community of Care program, an intentionally connected network to support students that was made possible by a generous grant from the Conrad Prebys Foundation. CCN also received philanthropic funding from a San Diego Foundation mental and behavioral health-focused grant to be able to staff MSW interns.

"We've been very blessed with the grants, and they allow our MSW interns to dedicate their full attention to the students," Davis said.

Community donations often help stock the treasure chest at the Cougar Care Network office. Davis said they are always welcoming new or gently used physical donations and added that students donate items like candles, facial masks and other small gifts they no longer need.

Ten years in, CCN remains focused on simple ideas that matter, starting with a warm welcome and practical help that arrives when students need it. The aim is to walk beside each person until the next step feels possible and the path forward is clear.

"We're here to walk beside you," Davis said. "And if you're not ready today, no worries. Maybe you'll chat with somebody at the cart or follow us on Instagram. Just in case you need us, we're here."

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