Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)

Mission

The Worcester State University Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) uses a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to assess reports of disruptive, concerning, threatening, or potentially harmful student, faculty, staff and visitor behavior. The team’s primary goals are to identify community members who may benefit from early intervention, coordinate assessment, intervention, and support, and help reduce the risk of situations escalating into dangerous or critical incidents. Through collaboration with campus partners, the BIT promotes community members well-being while helping maintain a safe campus community. When necessary, the team also coordinates ongoing assessment, support, and case management following critical incidents. Upon receipt of a report, the BIT may coordinate an immediate response, provide consultation to the reporting party, initiate outreach to other involved parties, and connect the person of concern with appropriate University resources and support. Information shared with the BIT is treated as private and is shared only with University officials who have a legitimate educational interest in responding to the concern. The team may convene if necessary outside of a standard weekly meeting.

What types of reports are reviewed by the Behavior Intervention Team?

The Team will review and discuss reports—whether or not they involve potential violations of University policy—that describe behavior which may pose a threat or disruption to the individual, others, or the broader community. These reports may include, but are not limited to, concerns related to:

• Pattern of concerning or erratic behavior
• Direct or indirect threats of safety towards self or others
• Direct or indirect threats of safety towards the WSU or local community
• Behavior that may be disruptive to the living and learning environment at WSU
• A referral from BIRT (Bias Incident Review Team) or the CARE Team for a student and/or concern that requires elevated and immediate intervention.

Team Membership

BIT is a collaborative team made up of representatives from Student Affairs, Community Standards, Counseling Services, Residence Life, Communications and Marketing, Emergency Management and Institutional Safety, and the WSU Police Department.

Ad Hoc Members: Depending on the nature of the concern, additional University personnel may be invited to consult with the Behavioral Intervention Team to provide relevant expertise and assist in developing an appropriate response.

BIT Process

The BIT adheres to the following best practices to manage cases from referral to closure.

1. Receive and review the report.
2. Conduct an initial behavioral assessment and gather additional information, as appropriate.
3. Determine whether the situation requires a threat assessment or other coordinated intervention.
4. Develop, implement, and monitor an intervention or risk management plan, which may include referrals to the CARE Team or other campus resources.
5. Coordinate outreach and follow-up with the student and other appropriate University offices.
6. Monitor progress, reassess as needed, and document all actions.
7. Close the case when the concern has been appropriately addressed.

How to Make a Referral to the BIT

Faculty, staff, administrators, and students may submit a referral to the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) by completing the BIT Report Form, available on the faculty, staff and student portal at worcester.edu (blue “reporting options” button).

Submit a Report