Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Worcester State University (WSU) takes a multidisciplinary approach to address reports of disruptive, problematic, or concerning student behavior. This group also documents case trends over time, detecting patterns, trends, and disturbances in individual or group behavior. BIT serves as a central network focused on prevention and early intervention in community situations involving students who experience extreme distress or engage in harmful or disruptive behaviors.

The BIT will develop strategies, provide consultations to the university community, and help coordinate the response of support resources when concerns arise about the well-being of students. Particular focus will be placed on behaviors that are disruptive, threatening, or potentially harmful to one’s self or others. The Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) will regularly assess these situations in the campus community and recommend actions in accordance with existing university policies.

Following a BIT meeting, students may be notified that a member of the team may reach out to them to begin the support process.

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
• Bias Incidents (targeted, impacting community safety)
• A referral from 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 Office, Counseling Center, Residence Life, Academic Affairs, Emergency Management, and the WSU Police Department.

Ad Hoc Members: depending on the circumstances of BIT referrals, other members of the campus community may be asked to consult with the team.

How to Make a Referral to the BIT

While the safety and well-being of the WSU community is everyone’s responsibility, BIT serves as a central place to assess behaviors of concern. All reports must be made in writing. Reports that are filed via telephone must also be submitted in writing by the reporting party within 24 hours of phone contact.

Submit a Report