How the Process Works
When a community member files a BIT report, the leadership team will receive a notification. A case manager then reviews the report and gathers further information. A case manager may modify or update the case file as needed to record the most accurate depiction of the student's concerns. After a review of the report, the case manager will determine appropriate outreach and next steps.
The Role of BIT
BIT is intended to provide resources and assistance to students and is generally not a disciplinary referral. BIT hopes to intervene before students act in ways that result in meetings with a conduct officer.
The role of BIT is to help students be able to succeed. Support students may take many forms, such as an email, a meeting with the Associate Director for Student Support, or other actions appropriate for that specific question.
BIT maintains all sensitive information of students to protect privacy. BIT may or may not reach out to reporters, depending on the situation.
FAQ
Yes. It is important to respond to any outreach by University of Utah officials. Failure to do so in a timely fashion may result in additional actions to ensure that the student is safe and a referral to Student Accountability.
Yes. The BIT understands that we may not have all of the correct information. Students have the right to share their perspectives. This right will be taken into consideration when determining an appropriate course of action.
A student’s privacy is valued; however, some information is disclosed to the BIT, a team of high-level administrators. BIT leadership, including the Case Managers and Associate Director for Student Support, will handle most information.
Risk Assessment
The BIT uses a risk rubric that measures generalized risk, mental and behavioral health, and aggression to determine the need for intervention. Generalized risk includes harm to facilities, reputation, finances, etc. Mental and behavioral health-related risks include harm to self.
FERPA
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of students' educational records. Protecting student privacy is also a high priority of the Behavioral Intervention Team. BIT records and proceedings are protected and private. Information is only shared on a "need to know" basis. This "need to know" basis complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
FERPA does not in any way restrict a University employee from sharing what they observe personally. In other words, a University employee would not violate FERPA by advising BIT of what the employee saw or heard when directly interacting with the student, observing a student's interaction with others, or otherwise observing a student's behavior or demeanor.
If a person is an immediate threat to themselves or someone else, or is incapable of caring for themselves, call 911.