What Should I Do If I Am Concerned About an Individual’s Behavior?

In order to take a proactive role in the identification and monitoring of potentially problematic or dangerous behavior, CCAC utilizes the National Center for Higher Education Risk Management (NCHERM), College and University Behavioral Intervention Team (CUBIT) model of intervention consisting of three groups: Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), Education Team and Crisis Management Team. Below are issues which various members of each team address. 

All situations apply to a student and to a visitor’s behavior or well-being. 

 Resources

Immediate Threat of Violence or Substantial Disruption - The Security Department (412-369-4100 at North and 412-788-7370 at West Hills will respond to an individual who acts in a violent manner or threatens violence. Additionally, the Dean of Student Development is authorized to impose an immediate interim suspension from classes if a student engages in threatening or disruptive behavior. Procedures may be initiated by the Dean of Students to require an evaluation conducted by campus mental health professionals or to dismiss students who pose a "direct threat" to self or others.

Medical or Psychiatric - If you think an individual is at risk of harming him/herself or others (suicidal or homicidal) or is exhibiting extremely bizarre behavior, contact Security. Security should be contactedif there is a threat of violence or medical transportation is required.
 

Emotional or Psychological Distress - When an individual shows signs of emotional or psychological distress contact the counseling center or Dean of Students, who will make the appropriate referral.

Disorderly or Disruptive Behavior – An individual who exhibits behavior that is disorderly, disruptive, or poses a concern for violence should be reported to security. A student that exhibits such behaviors should be reported to the Dean of Students. Disruptive or disorderly students may be in violation of CCAC’s StudentCode of Behavioral Conduct and/or be referred to specific counseling or mental health interventions, if appropriate.  

Behavior Evaluation and Threat Assessment – In order to provide a coordinated response to student behavior assessment, the Campus President created the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) which provides evaluation, assessment, and consultation to faculty and staff. The Team is comprised of representatives from the departments of Security, Counseling and Supportive Services.

 BIT Team

Purpose

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is a consultative and evaluation group designed to provide information and referrals to those dealing with threatening or disruptive students. It does not adjudicate, discipline, or impose sanctions against any member of the campus community, nor does it provide or mandate treatment.  These sanctions are performed by the Dean of Student Development. The BIT does not replace faculty classroom management, disciplinary processes or public safety responses to incidents. The BIT works within all current college policies. The BIT serves three primary functions:

• Provide individual consultation and resources to faculty and staff who are dealing with a disruptive or threatening student;
• Receive reports of students who are engaging in substantial disruption or threatening behavior and make referrals to appropriate college departments to address specific concerns;
• Brief college departments on response steps, which individuals and offices can use when confronted by a student of concern.

All incidents or situations that send up a red flag must be reported to the Dean of Student Development and should be reported via the incident report form.

Crisis Management Team

Purpose

The Crisis Management Team is comprised of the Campus President, Director of security and Dean of Administration. The crisis management team has two primary functions:

• Deal with the true crisis/critical incidents, not the routine emergency or necessarily the escalating emergency.
• Is the planning group who makes the decisions about the crisis and contacts emergency services.

 Education Team

Purpose

The education team is comprised of the Academic Dean, Associate Dean, Director of Security and representatives of faculty, Center administration, student life, supportive services and non-credit administrators. The education team has two primary functions:

• Teach faculty, students, administrators, staff and community about our safety initiatives.
• Provide ongoing professional development.

 Reporting

To make a report of a student exhibiting behavior of concern, please complete the following on-line submission form: www.ccac.edu/incident  or call the BIT chair Dr. Mary Lou Kennedy at 412-369-3655 or mkennedy@ccac.edu  

We encourage reports to be submitted at the first sign of concern. Reports may also be sent for informational purposes only. Interventions may not always be necessary and will be determined by the Dean of Students.