The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) acts as a central network dedicated to prevention and timely intervention before crises emerge, as well as responding to a crisis if necessary. It serves as a valuable resource for faculty, staff, and students, allowing them to report behaviors of concern among students. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to, actions that seem dangerous or threatening to oneself or others, troubling conduct, or hostile, angry, or abusive behavior that is inappropriate or disruptive. Sometimes, these behaviors may not violate the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College Student Code of Conduct, yet they may still cause alarm or concern among those involved. The BIT serves as an advisory group to the Vice President of Student Services.
Responsibilities
- Receive and gather information about behavior that appears to be dangerous or threatening to oneself or others, troubling behavior, angry, hostile, or abusive behavior or other behavior that is inappropriate or disruptive involving students.
- Develop specific strategies to manage potentially harmful or disruptive behavior with regard to the safety and rights of others, and in order to minimize the disruption to the college community.
- Make recommendations to college officials on appropriate action(s) consistent with college policies and procedures.
- Coordinate the college response to potentially harmful/disruptive situations.
- Develop and disseminate informational materials focused on the identification and prevention of disruptive behavior.
BIT proactively addresses student success at the college by engaging in discussions on current issues and responding to specific student concerns. This involves promptly evaluating reports of troubling behavior and crafting intervention plans to minimize the chances of disruptive situations.
BIT members will be appointed by their department lead and include:
- 2 members from Student Services
- 2 Faculty members
- 1 member from Safety and Security
- 1 member involved in the Student Discipline Process
- Other members as assigned and requested
In certain situations, other college officials may be invited to join the team as necessary. The team will consult with the Vice President of Student Services whenever needed. Meetings will be held bi-weekly throughout the semester to review the College’s overall environment and student behavior.
Referral Process
Members of the Pennsylvania Highlands community may refer students to BIT through either the PAWS alert system or the Report a Concern form. BIT will maintain an electronic file of all referrals and outcomes for annual review.
If you believe the student or community is in immediate danger, please dial 911.