The Behavioral Assessment Intervention Team (BAIT) serves as the centralized campus team for discussion and coordinated action regarding reports of disruptive, problematic, or concerning behavior or misconduct from co-workers, students, community members, friends, colleagues, and anonymous. The BAIT aims to bring collective wisdom, professional perspectives, campus management, behavioral evaluation, and workplace violence prevention responsibilities to address cases of perceived or actual behaviors of concern, which may include the potential of violence.

Upon receipt, the Team reviews the report, assesses the threat and determines the best referrals for support, intervention, warning/notification and response.

Core members of the team include representatives from Title IX, Student Affairs, Campus Police, Counseling Services, and Student Conduct.

When should I report concerning behavior?

Below are just some of the behaviors and warning signs to look out for and report. Please use this list as a guide.

  • A sudden change in behavior
  • Extremely disruptive or bizarre behavior
  • Thoughts of Suicide or Self-Harm
  • Any threats or acts of violence
  • Weapons
  • Hate Crime & Hate Incidents
  • Sexual assault
  • A loss of contact with reality
  • Disturbing social media postings, e-mails (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)
  • Extreme Distress
  • Alcohol/Drug Abuse
  • Family/Domestic Problems
  • Whenever you wonder, "Should I...?"

BAIT emphasizes that faculty and staff are key referral sources on campus and are often the first to notice issues that arise with students. BAIT strongly advises our community not to ignore uneasy feelings. Instead, consider that this issue may be an opportunity to get help.

BAIT Process Meetings

The team meets monthly or as needed when classes are in session. The agenda is fluid and is coordinated by the Chief Student Conduct Officer. The Chair may call an emergency meeting when the problem is urgent and an immediate response is necessary.

Reporting and Record Keeping

The University has a student conduct database including an incident reporting form that all University community members may use to report student behavior they are concerned about. Although the incident reporting form requests the identity and contact information of the reporter to allow follow-up and clarification of information, anonymous reports will be accepted. Reports missing contact information may adversely affect the team’s ability to fully respond to identified concerns.

Examples of incidents and situations that are addressed by the Team include classroom disruption, behaviors that may pose a threat to the physical safety or well-being of individuals or groups, and conflicts among individuals or groups that have the potential to escalate and pose a disruption to elements of the University community. Additionally, the BAIT examines trends in student behavior suggested by observation and information obtained from professional meetings and literature.

Response and Follow-Through

Upon receiving a report, the Chair has a range of options.

  • The first step may be to contact the reporter, obtain additional information as needed, and provide the reporter with recommended actions which may include other campus resources.
  • Another early step may be contacting the student exhibiting concerning behavior for a meeting. Meeting goals may include sharing the concern with the student (while maintaining reporter anonymity), learning if the student identifies with the stated problem or has a different experience to share, exploring with the student possible options the student may undertake, and developing a plan of action.
  • The Chair may forward the report to the Case Manager or a particular member of the BAIT for responses outlined above.
  • Regardless of the initial assessment and actions taken, a database case will be created, discussed at the next BAIT meeting, and additional actions may be suggested or the case may be recommended to be closed. Committee recommendations will also be recorded in the database.
  • Follow-up with the reporter or student may be recommended at different points in the process as either may be in need of support and monitoring.
  • Following resolution of a situation, there may be a need to evaluate the level and effectiveness of response, the impact of an outcome on individuals, groups, departments, and the University as a whole, and any implications for changes in policies, practices, or procedures.

Records maintained by the Behavioral Assessment Intervention Team are subject to the University policy on student educational records and may only be disclosed under provisions outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).