The BIT Team follows a four-point system for evaluating student issues and concerns:
- Gather – Gather and analyze information
- Assess – Assess needs of those impacted
- Plan – Determine and implement plans for individuals of concern, including both immediate and ongoing strategies
- Refer – Provide and make referrals for advice, support, and assistance
The BIT Team was created to deal with problematic student behavior falling into the following categories: Distressing, Disturbing, Disruptive, and Dangerous.
Distressing Behavior
Distressing Behavior usually includes a significant change in a person’s appearance, performance or emotional state and may be symptomatic of a person’s inability to manage personal or emotional difficulties.
- Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
- Dramatic weight fluctuations/changes in eating patterns
- Change in personal hygiene
- Difficulties making decisions
- Heightened emotional response (irritability, tearfulness)
- Overdependence on others
Disturbing Behavior
Disturbing Behavior is most easily identified as “strange” or “odd” behavior that may cause alarm, fear, or frustration.
- Jokes about killing self
- Self-mutilating behavior (cutting, burning, etc.)
- Expressed suicidal thoughts
- Impaired speech or disjointed thoughts
- Emotional responses may be incongruent and/or inappropriate
- Disconnect with reality (talking to imaginary people)
- Paranoid thoughts
- Risk-taking behavior
- Bizarre behavior out of context for the situation
Disruptive Behavior
Disruptive Behavior is conduct that distracts others in a manner that unreasonably interferes with typical operations of the University.
- Refusing to leave
- Throwing objects
- Verbally abuses or intimidates others
- Overly demanding of others' time and attention
- Interrupts the educational process
- Heightened anger or aggression
Dangerous Behavior
Dangerous Behavior may be a red flag of a potential threat to the safety of others.
- Dehumanization or objectification of others
- Lack of empathy
- Sense of entitlement
- Attitude of superiority
- Anger management problems
- Entertains themes of violence in all areas of life
- Broad-based feelings of persecution by others
- Blames others for problems in life
- Conspiracy and revenge themes
- Generalized arrogance
How Can I Report a Concern?
You can refer a student to the CARE Team by submitting a report through our secure online form.
If this is an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
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