Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)
Behavioral Intervention Team Purpose:
A Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is a multi-disciplinary group that helps detect early indicators of potential disruptive conduct, self-harm, and violence to others. The team uses an established protocol to support students, employees, faculty, staff, communities, and workplaces. When a BIT gets a report of problematic or concerning behavior, the team determines the best way to support, intervene, and respond. The team then deploys its plan and coordinates a follow-up. For more information on the behavioral intervention team process, see NABITA.org.
University of Mary Washington (UMW) Behavioral Intervention Team Mission:
The Behavioral Intervention Team’s (BIT) mission is to coordinate interventions for students exhibiting behaviors detrimental to their own or other UMW community members’ success. The team assists students in accessing resources that will help them meet expected University behavioral standards in order to succeed academically, personally, and socially.
Team Composition:
- Melissa Jones, Dean of Students (Chairperson)
- Chris Porter, Assistant Dean of Students
- Betsy Southern, Dean of Students Non-clinical Case Manager
- Brad Sullivan, Representative from the UMW Police Department
- Tev Zukor, Director, Talley Center for Counseling Services
- Dave Fleming, Representative from Residence Life and Housing
- April Wynn, Representative from University Faculty
- Wes Hillyard, Representative from Academic Services
The BIT will consult with representatives from offices and departments across the university when appropriate.
Behavioral Intervention Team Procedures:
When a referral is submitted through an online report, the non-clinical Case Manager (Dean of Students Office) receives the report, reviews it, and connects with appropriate individuals to gather more information. The case is reviewed in a weekly BIT meeting to determine further action. Any report submitted that indicates an immediate crisis will be acted upon immediately.
The BIT evaluates each report and may assign a staff member to 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. That person will assist the student in coordinating with resources and checking in on their progress as needed.
In the event that a student is perceived to be at risk of harm to self or others, the BIT will work with the appropriate individuals to further assess the situation. This can include the Talley Center for Counseling Services, the UMW Threat Assessment Team, and outside agencies such as Mary Washington Hospital.
The BIT may determine that there is no need to take any further action but will monitor the situation and concern.
The person who submitted the concern will be contacted to confirm receipt of each report. Whenever possible, that person will also receive a follow-up communication once there is a resolution. Due to privacy concerns, it may not be possible for the follow-up information to include specific information about the student.