The Behavioral Intervention Teams (BIT) is a multidisciplinary teams focused on early intervention for any student who has raised concerns and may be at risk of harming either themselves or others, or who pose a significant disruption to the living, learning or work environment. The teams receives and reviews reports of threats and other concerning student behavior for the purpose of developing a support plan that mitigates risk and promotes student well-being and success within existing University policies.

BIT Is:

• Outreach based on care and concern. Every effort is made to help the individual succeed in the classroom or workplace.
• A confidential reporting resource available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day through the online reporting form.
• A support for faculty, staff, and students experiencing concerning circumstances.

BIT Is Not:

• The primary intervention strategy of BIT is the care and support for individual’s success and well-being. In circumstances where disruptive behavior may threaten the campus community, the student conduct process may be utilized.
• Call 911 - If you feel that you or any other person is in immediate danger, call Public Safety (770-720-5911) or 911.

Consultation and Assessment

• The BIT meets weekly to consult on, assess, and triage referrals for students who display troubling or worrisome behaviors. This function includes the following:

1. 1. 1. Gather and analyze information
      2. Assess needs of those impacted
      3. Determine and implement plans for individuals of concern, including both immediate and ongoing strategies
      4. Provide and make referrals for advice, support, and assistance.

Follow-up and Reporting

• Staff follows up on referrals and reports outcomes to BIT and appropriate staff. The BIT generates an annual report that includes pertinent data about the types of cases and referrals made each academic year.

Case and Policy Review

• The BIT reviews various cases, discusses policy and protocol implications, and makes recommendations to administrators.

Campus Training

• The BIT develops and implements training material for faculty and staff.

A Referral

Any behavioral issues or questions regarding behavioral issues are encouraged to be reported. The referral process begins with the submission of a RUCARES Referral.

The Response

Referrals are monitored during business hours. Once a referral is received, a BIT staff member will gather additional information, as needed, and may reach out to the referred student by email or phone call. In many cases, a BIT staff member will meet with students to provide support and referrals to campus and community resources.

Follow-up

BIT staff member often follows up with student a week or two after a meeting to check in and to offer further assistance in connecting with resources.

BIT uses a risk rubric that measures generalized risk, mental and behavioral health, and aggression to determine the need for intervention. Generalized risk includes harm to facilities, reputation, finances, etc. Mental and behavioral health-related risks include harm to self.

You should refer to BIT when a student, faculty or staff member is exhibiting self-destructive or disruptive behaviors.

Different signs of distress could raise concerns. These may be behaviors that you observe or that are reported to you by students, faculty, staff, or visitors.

Examples of circumstances that would be appropriate for a referral and outreach may include, but are not limited to, instances where a student...

• Writes about threats to harm themself or others.
• Reports feeling overwhelmed, stressed, anxious, isolated, or depressed.
• Is going through family, relationship, or interpersonal problems.
• Experiences grief due to the loss of a loved one.
• Lacks a social support network.

Use the following examples to help you identify self-destructive and disruptive behaviors. Look for groupings, frequency, duration, and severity.

Physical:

• Marked changes in physical appearance (e.g., grooming or hygiene deterioration, weight loss/gain)
• Obvious change in mental state and/or apparent intoxication
• Excessive fatigue or sleeping in class
• Observable signs of injury

Emotional or Psychological:

• Direct or indirect comments about suicide
• Articulating feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, or shame
• More withdrawn; avoiding social interactions

Safety Risk:

• Implying or communicating threats to harm others
• Verbally or physically displaying aggression towards others
• Bullying / Intimidation
• Stalking
• Referring to having and/or using weapons

Mild/Moderate Behaviors

For mild to moderate behaviors of concern, please notify BIT as soon as possible.

• Significant drop in academic performance
• Preoccupation with death, suicide, or self-harm
• Changes in mood and appearance
• Displays paranoia or distrust
• Isolates self
• Alcohol & drug use/abuse

Elevated Behaviors

For elevated behaviors of concern, please notify BIT immediately.

• Excessive or demanding use of faculty’s time and resources
• Erratic or unusual behaviors
• Sending intrusive emails/text messages
• Intimidating or bullying behaviors towards others

Critical Behaviors

For critical behaviors of concern, notify the Reinhardt University Department of Public Safety at 770-720-5911. After speaking with police, please notify BIT. IF THE THREAT IS IMMEDIATE, DIAL 911 FOR POLICE RESPONSE.

• Showing or brandishing a weapon
• State intent to harm self or others
• Overt threats to harm or kill someone
• Physical or sexual assault on another individual
• Interpersonal violence