Behavior Intervention Team

A multi-disciplinary team that responds to concerning behavior.

 

As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe place for all those on our UC campus, the university has established a Behavior Intervention Team (BIT), a multi-disciplinary group that responds to concerning behavior that may involve threats to the safety or security of an individual or the campus community.

Concerning behavior can include:

• Self-injury/suicide ideation or attempt
• Behaviors or threats (direct or implied) that may entail risk of harm to self or others, including bullying, stalking or hazing
• Erratic behavior (including online activities), that disrupt the normal proceedings of students, staff, faculty or community. These include, but are not limited to, weapons on campus, inappropriate disruption to the community, disturbing electronic or social media postings, inappropriate behavior in which safety is compromised
• Belief that an individuals well-being is deteriorating or at significant risk
• Substance abuse or a mental health concern resulting in the need for medical intervention
• Unusual or suspicious behavior (prolonged absence, changes in academic performance, pattern of interaction, changes in physical appearance)

 

The BIT seeks to:

• Recommend appropriate intervention strategies or disciplinary actions
• Connect students with needed campus and community resources, and coordinate follow-up to ensure the support was deployed effectively
• Centralize collection of concerning student behaviors. “Connect the dots” of actions involving one student that various faculty, staff and/or students may be concerned about
• Disseminate relevant information to Campus Security

 

If you are concerned about the behavior of someone on campus, you may report your concerns by contacting Virginia Moore, Dean of Students at virginiamoore@ucwv.edu or 304-357-4987.

If you feel there is an immediate threat, call Campus Security at 304-357-4857.

 

After the report is made, the BIT will determine the most appropriate way to handle the situation, including making the determination as to the most appropriate campus resource to handle it.

An immediate, potentially severe threat would result in the immediate implementation of the Crisis Management Plan and action by the Dean of Students, Director of Counseling and Outreach Services, and the Chief of Security.

Less severe or immediate threats would be assessed, additional information obtained if necessary and other campus offices involved as needed.

Possible approaches will be discussed and a course of action developed by the team that takes into consideration the individual’s best interest as well as the best interest of the university community and is consistent with university policy.

Possible outcomes for students referred include but are not limited to:

• Upon consideration of mitigating factors and in consultation with the appropriate offices, the student is informed of campus services available, and no other action is deemed necessary.
• The student satisfactorily confirms that he /she is already under medical or psychological care and is following the appropriate steps of his/her treatment plan. Other behavioral stipulations may be established.
• The student is referred to the services of an office on campus with behavioral stipulations.
• The student is referred to off-campus treatment with behavioral stipulations.
• Reduction in access to university facilities and/or courses.
• The student is suspended immediately pending an informal hearing to determine that a student poses a continuing danger to persons or property, or the student’s behavior is an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process.
• Involuntary withdrawal from the university.

 

What about confidentiality?

Do not promise confidentiality when entrusted with personal information by someone confiding in you, rather stress to the individual that you will consult those university officials that are in the best position to assist him or her.

• Recent clarification of FERPA, the law that governs student privacy, indicates that one may disclose their personal observations about an individual to a university official, particularly when it involves a health or safety emergency. This information should be considered confidential and not shared with others who do not need to know.