What do I do if I know a student who may need to be referred to the BIT process?
If you feel there is an immediate threat, call UMW Police at 540-654-1025, or call 4444 and tell dispatch if and where you are on campus. To make a referral, go to the BIT Incident Report Form (Link). You will be asked for basic information about the student, how to contact you (in case the BIT has follow-up questions) and for a description of the incident or behaviors that prompted the referral.
Should I talk to the student about referring them to the BIT process?
You are the Behavioral Intervention Team’s best resource because you are familiar with the student. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask if the student is OK. In many cases the student will indicate that they could use some help and you can refer them to the appropriate resource, such as the Talley Center for Counseling Services or Academic Resources.
Who can make a BIT referral?
Anyone; including students, faculty and staff, can make a BIT referral when they feel that a student would benefit from additional support and resources from the University. This includes, but is not limited to, when you feel a student may be a threat to themselves or the community.
What happens after I make the referral?
The BIT team members receive your referral by email and are able to take the information and make a decision about intervention and support strategies. Reporting is the most critical step. Make a BIT referral here.
What happens to the student in the BIT process?
If the team determines the student is appropriate for the BIT process, he/she will be contacted and instructed to meet with designated team members. The type of intervention is dependent on the behavior.
How do I know if it is a BIT issue or if it is more appropriately handled by other campus resources?
You do not have to make this determination; the BIT Team will do it for you. The most critical step is that you report it through the UMW Reporting Form . If another campus resource is more appropriate, the BIT will refer the student and handle the transfer of information.
Typically, behaviors that pose a potential threat to safety or that cause a significant community disruption qualify as BIT, while students who experience other mental health issues are appropriate to the Talley Center for Counseling Services.
What happens when I make a referral?
- When a referral is submitted through the BIT website, a member of the BIT Team immediately receives the report via email.
- The team evaluates each report and the BIT will reach out to the student of concern to assess any resources needed and collaboratively develop an action plan with the student to reduce obstacles for their success at UMW.
- BIT members will assist the student in coordinating with resources and check in on their progress.
- In the event that a student is perceived to be at risk of harm to self or others, BIT will coordinate with appropriate University offices to assist the student.
- BIT may determine that there is no need to take any further action but will monitor the situation and concern.