About

Mission Statement

The BIT/CARE team is a university-wide team of appointed staff and faculty responsible for identifying, assessing, and responding to concerns and disruptive behaviors by students, faculty, staff, and community members who struggle academically, emotionally, or psychologically, or who present a risk to the health or safety of the university or its members.

Team Goals

  • Provide a safe and supportive environment for members of the university community
  • Gather, assess, and deploy interventions with individuals who demonstrate concerning or threatening behavior
  • Provide support and resources to community members who are concerned for another individual

Team Responsibilities

  1. Develop and implement educational and training programs for all members of the university community regarding behavioral assessment. This should include publications and promotional materials designed to create awareness and understanding of the BIT/CARE team and what to refer, as well as in-person training to develop more profound knowledge on how to identify, support, and refer an individual of concern.
  2. Maintain a current website, which can be easily accessed from the university’s home page and other relevant departmental pages. This site should include links to informational and referral sites and instructions for making a referral to the BIT/CARE team.
  3. Receive, coordinate, and assess referrals received from faculty, staff, students, and others regarding individuals of concern.
  4. Coordinate interventions and resource assistance for individuals of concern.
  5. Assist the Office of Student Conduct and the Admissions Office in reviewing applications for admission to the university of students who indicated that they have a criminal record or currently have charges pending; or students who were suspended or expelled from a previously attended educational institution.
  6. Provide an annual report to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.

The Team

The BIT/CARE team consists of university personnel with expertise in student affairs, mental and physical health, student conduct, and law enforcement/campus safety. Membership on the BIT/CARE team represents an ongoing commitment to the mission of the BIT/CARE team. Team members are critical to the functioning of the team. They are responsible for completing ongoing training, attending meetings, and assisting with follow-up and intervention as designated by their membership category.

Referral Process: electronic referral

When to refer?

  • A sudden or unexpected change in classroom behavior or performance
  • Decline in enthusiasm for class (e.g. no longer participating in class discussions)
  • Frequent requests for special provisions (e.g. late papers, extension requests, postponed exams)
  • Disruptive, hardened, or unusual participation in class (e.g. questions off topic, argumentative in discussions)
  • Strange or concerning writing (e.g. writing is off topic to prompt, writing includes violent imagery, fantasy)
  • Poor focus or attention during class

  • Explosive or impulsive behavior
  • Marked irritability, anger, hostility, etc.
  • Talking to or seeing things that aren’t there
  • Emotions that are extreme for the situation
  • Delusional or paranoid speech or actions
  • Teasing or bullying (receiving or giving)
  • Difficulty connecting to others
  • Social withdrawal, isolation, loneliness
  • Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, etc.
  • Change in typical personality (more outgoing or more withdrawn than usual)
  • Talks about themes of suicide, loss of will to live, etc.
  • Difficulty dealing with an event (e.g. death of loved one)
  • Directly mentions self-harm, suicide, or harm to others
  • Mentions dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorder, etc.
  • Making a Referral

  • Chronic fatigue or falling asleep at inappropriate times
  • Marked change in personal hygiene or appearance
  • Noticeable change in energy level
  • Dramatic weight loss or gain
  • Confused, disjointed thoughts, speech, or actions
  • Attends class or work hungover/intoxicated, or frequently appears hungover/intoxicated
  • Signs of self-injury (cuts, burns, etc.)

 

How to Make a Referral

  • If there is not a concern for safety or a need for an immediate response, make a referral by:

  • If there is a concern for safety (themes of, or direct statement of, self-harm, suicide, or harm to others, seems out of touch with reality, displays delusional or aggressive behavior, etc.) get immediate help by: calling 911
  • Once you’ve gotten immediate help, make a referral to the team

Safety and Wellness Resources

We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable space where all students can thrive and bring their fullest self to campus. To this end, we endlessly value our students’ safety and well-being. Learn more about the safety and wellness Resources>>

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding student wellness, contact Isabel Fazzone, the Executive Director of Wellness, by emailing or visiting the Student Success Hub.

Email to Dr. Fazzone