While interacting with students across the college, faculty and staff may be confronted with situations in which a student is displaying concerning behavior. The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) Model is designed to assist them.
Behaviors of concern might be observed in a number of settings: in the classroom, at a service location or office, at an on-campus job, or during participation at an extracurricular activity. By reporting behaviors that are concerning, the Behavioral Intervention Team will be able to reach out to students to intervene, provide support, and connect them with resources that can assist them.
The Behavioral Intervention Team is a team that meets regularly to serve five major functions for the campus:
- Act in a proactive manner to assist students,
- Maintain confidentiality and handle all matters discreetly,
- Provide consultation and support to faculty and staff,
- Connect students with needed resources, and
- Recommend interventions or sanctions.
The BIT process does not replace faculty classroom management, disciplinary processes, and/or public safety responses to incidents.
The Behavioral Intervention Team Model works within all current college policies and serves as a model to merely formalize current informal processes at the College.
Assistance and Consultation for Faculty and Staff
If a faculty and staff member needs more information or assistance, the staff member should contact the Director of Student Conduct or Dean of Academic Affairs for consultation and support. He/she may recommend specific strategies for the faculty or staff member to address the concern or may recommend submission of a Behavioral Reporting Form for further assessment and follow-up by the BIT.
What to Report
In general, any behavior that disrupts the mission or learning environment of the college or causes concern for a student’s well-being should be reported. This includes:
- Suspected violations of college policies
- Incidents of academic dishonesty resulting in the lowering of a course grade, failure in a course, or dismissal from a course
- Concerns about a student’s well-being
Generally, minor classroom management issues should not be reported through BIT.
BIT will act quickly to respond to reports; however, BIT team may not able to provide an immediate response to a concern. Call 911 or Campus Security if you feel threatened or an immediate response is needed.
How to Report
A. Use Maxient/Behavioral Reporting Form
B. Contact Director of Student Conduct and/or corresponding Academic Dean
What Happens to a Behavioral Report Form
Once a report is submitted:
1) Report immediately enters secure database
2) Automated notification is sent to the Director of Student Conduct and BIT representatives for review and follow up
3) Reporter may be contacted for further information
Potential Outcomes of Reports
The BIT may
- Recommend no action, pending further observation
- Assist faculty or staff in developing a plan of action
- Refer student to existing on-campus support resources
- Refer student to appropriate community resources
- Make recommendations consistent with college policies and procedures