Frequently Asked Questions about RVC's Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)

1. What is the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT)?

The BIT coordinates a response to a student's behavior of concern.  When referrals of concerning behavior are made by students, staff or faculty to the Behavioral Intervention Team, the team will follow up on the referred concerns and respond appropriately. See BIT operational statement for more details.

2. How do I make a referral to BIT?

• You are the Behavioral Intervention Team's best resource because you may be familiar with the student. Whenever possible, if you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask if he/she is OK.  In many cases students will indicate that they could use some help and you can refer them to RVC Personal Counseling Services, or submit the Referral Form  to the BIT.  There may be times where staff/faculty  has the skill and may  choose to address or        resolve a situation; in such cases,  it is suggested a referral form be completed for  such distressed, concerning and  behaviors. Refer IT  or  www.rockvalleycollege.edu/BIT 
  
  
  

3.   Who can make a BIT referral?

Anyone who feels a currently enrolled RVC student, that does not pose an immediate threat to safety (self or others), but are concerned that a behavior could escalate if it is not addressed can refer to BIT.

4. What happens after I make the referral?

The BIT members will take the information, assess the situation, and make a professional decision about how to best proceed. You may or may not be contacted for additional information.  The BIT will use professional discretion to determine how much information can be shared with the reporter or others that may need to know.

5.   What happens to the student in the BIT process?

Based on the details provided on the BIT referral form, the team will assess and determine which strategy will be used and implement an action plan that may include campus or community resource(s). The student will then be contacted and the behaviors of concern will be addressed by staff appropriate to the situation. The process is to help the student understand their behavior of concern and impact on the campus community.

6.  How do I know if it is a BIT issue or if it is more appropriately handled by other campus resources?

Typically, behaviors that do not pose an immediate threat to self or others are a concern and could escalate if not addressed should be referred to BIT.   Please note the BIT is obligated to take appropriate action based on the nature of information being shared.  BIT may contact the reporter for further information or details.

The most critical step is that you Share Because You Care. If another campus resource is more appropriate, the BIT will refer the student.  It is important to remember that the college has a set of policies, procedures, and processes to address a wide range of student behaviors and/or student concerns.

If this is a threatening or emergency situations, call RVC Campus  Police 815.65.4357 (HELP).

7. Will disciplinary action be taken against those deemed to be a 'threat" and if so, what type of specific discipline will be administered and by whom?

The BIT will determine if a discipline action is deemed the appropriate response or if it is case of mandatory assessment.  If the response requires a discipline action the case will be turned over to the Judicial Affairs office.  If the student needs mental health assessment prior to returning to campus the BIT will proceed with mandatory assessment.

8.  How do I tell if it's something I should refer?  Are there specific criteria of behavior/actions that must exist before I refer to BIT?

You do not have to make this determination.  The BIT will do this for you. The most important thing for you to do is refer a behavior of concern.  If you are concerned about the safety and/or welfare of a student and you are not able to address the situation directly, then it would be best to refer it.  Referring the student of concern to BIT will help the student receive the assistance they need.

9.  Will the student know that I am the person who referred her/him to BIT?

BIT will not tell the student who specifically made the referral; however a referred student will be given specific information about the behaviors/actions that occurred so they can respond to the ed concern.   It is possible that a student may know who made the referral through the circumstances described to them, however, BIT will not provide the student with the name of the reporter/s.

10.  What if I'm not ready to make a referral, but I just need some advice about handling a student issue?

You can always contact Judicial Affairs regarding the handling or management of a student behavior of concern. In many cases an individual only need ideas on how to approach a student about their behavior.  The Judicial Affairs office can provide tips, ideas and resources on how to approach a situation.  This may not result in a report.

11. If I just had a basic question not listed above what should I do?

We welcome all questions and suggestions. Don't be afraid to ask, someone else may be thinking the same thing.   E-mail us at  rvc-studentconduct@rockvalleycollege.edu.

12. To share errors, inconsistencies, or suggestions to improve this web page please submit here.

If this is an immediate threat or concern, call Rock Valley College Public Safety 815.654.4357 (HELP).

The BIT process is coordinated through the Judicial Affairs office at Rock Valley College.