Black Hawk College is committed to promoting a safe environment focused on student learning and student development for all students and staff. While interacting with students across the college, fellow students and staff may be confronted with situations in which a student displays concerning behaviors or comments, is disruptive to the campus environment, or creates an environment that may be intimidating or threatening to others. By providing information and assistance, the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) can properly assess the situation and coordinate a response to assist the student.
Black Hawk College is invested in maintaining the well-being of the campus environment. It is important that each of us, student, staff and faculty, have an equal share, interest, and responsibility in ensuring we maintain a safe and respectful campus. So, if you have experienced something that causes you concern, or simply doesn’t seem right, please report it.
Examples of “red flag behaviors” may include aggressive behavior of a classmate, an electronic threat made on social media, experiencing or knowledge of harassment or discrimination, witnessing suspicious activity or overhearing a conversation about violence.
How to make a referral:
Referrals can be made by filling out a referral form or contacting Counseling Department at (309) 796-5199 or counseling@bhc.edu.
If there is an imminent threat of violence or a concern for the immediate safety of any community member please call 911.
What happens when I make a referral?
- The BIT has developed a protocol to ensure that concerning student behavior or mental health issues are addressed appropriately.
- When a referral is submitted to the BIT, a meeting of the team will be convened. The team evaluates each report and a member of the BIT will reach out to the student of concern to assess any resources needed and collaboratively develop an action plan with the student to reduce obstacles for them to receive appropriate assessment/care.
- BIT members will assist the student in coordinating with existing campus resources currently being utilized and then work with the student to monitor progress.
- In the event that a student is perceived to be at risk of harm to self or others, BIT may coordinate with appropriate College offices to assist the student.
- BIT may determine that there is no need to take any further action but will monitor the situation and concern.
Are the Referrals to BIT Confidential?
The BIT will take reasonable steps to maintain the privacy of those who make a referral to BIT, if requested. Confidentiality, however, cannot be guaranteed. On occasion, due to the nature of the reported concern, the individual reporting the situation may be evident to the referred student.
In potentially serious situations, the University reserves the right to notify the parents or guardians of the student as well as appropriate University officials. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as amended (FERPA) authorizes school officials such as faculty and staff to disclose education records to other school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in those records, without the student’s consent. Disclosure may also be made to appropriate parties where it is necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals. It is within the University’s discretion to determine what constitutes an emergency, who is the “appropriate” party, and what information is necessary to be disclosed.