The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) is a resource that works to ensure our campus community is a safe place for teaching and learning to occur. The BIT is not a disciplinary board, but rather the central point of contact for reports of concerning behavior for the campus community to coordinate intervention services. The team includes personnel from the dean of students office, counseling services, campus police, human resources, and members of the faculty who have received training and education to assist those exhibiting concerning behavior.

If danger is imminent, always call Campus Police, 694-6649 or 9-911.

If you are concerned about a potentially risky or dangerous behavior by a person to him/herself or others, you can contact the BIT. Some examples include:

• Extreme verbal or written harassment or threats;
• Extremes, or changes in, appearance such as looking disheveled, disoriented, extreme low energy or apathetic;
• Disturbing writings or talking about suicide, violence in their past or future, obsessions with harming or violence;
• Signs of paranoia or making references that are not germane to the topic or not related to the situational context;
• Under the influence of drugs/alcohol.

Throwing things, cursing, coming to class intoxicated, or threatening physical harm, etc. is not acceptable behavior. Tell the person his/her behavior (describe specifically) is not okay with you and that you will leave if it doesn’t stop. Always remove yourself from the area if you feel threatened. Document the incident and report it to the Behavioral Intervention Team or Campus Police.

Questions or concerns about harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, age or status as a covered veteran should be directed to the executive director, Equity and Compliance, 865-539-7401 Document the incident.

Questions or concerns about harassment or discrimination based on race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, disability, age or status as a covered veteran should be directed to the executive director, Equity and Compliance, 865-539-7401 Document the incident.

Tell the person specifically what about the message was inappropriate, to stop sending you messages and that if it continues, he/she will be reported to the dean of students or Campus Police.

Anonymous reports will be investigated as best as possible given the information provided. However, it is vital that the BIT be able to communicate and follow up with the person referring should additional information be needed to complete the assessment. Contact the dean of students or chief of police if you have concerns about confidentiality.

The BIT Team will look to gather additional information related to the reported concern. This often includes talking with anyone who may have been present to witness the behavior, review security camera footage, etc. The BIT will then work together and look for ways to provide support to the student and take appropriate steps to ensure the campus remains safe. Depending upon the nature of the report, the BIT may take any or all of the following actions:

• Recommend no action and continue to gather information and monitor the situation
• Assist faculty or staff in developing a plan of action
• Meet with the student or employee of concern
• Refer student or employee to existing campus and/or community support resources
• Refer the concern to the appropriate office for potential disciplinary action

Take other action as deemed necessary and consistent with college policies and procedures.