Basic Emergency Procedures

The basic emergency procedures outlined in this plan are to enhance the protection of lives and property through effective use of campus and community resources. Whenever an emergency affecting the campus reaches proportions THAT CANNOT BE HANDLED BY ROUTINE MEASURES, the President or his/her designee may declare a state of EMERGENCY, and these contingency guidelines may be implemented. There are two general types of emergencies that may require the implementation of this plan. These are: (1) large-scale disorder (riot, demonstration) and (2) large-scale disaster (utility, explosion, fire, weather related, etc). Since an emergency may be sudden and without warning, these procedures are designed to be flexible in order to accommodate contingencies of various types of magnitudes.

This plan applies to all faculty, staff, employees, students and visitors who are on the Terra State Community College campus. It encompasses all buildings and grounds owned and operated by the College.

The development and administration of this plan is the responsibility of the Emergency Operations Team.

The College President (or his/her designee) will serve as the overall Emergency Director during any major emergency or disaster. The following definitions of an emergency are provided as guidelines to assist determining the appropriate response: 

• MINOR EMERGENCY: Any incident, potential or actual, which will not seriously affect the overall functional capacity of the College. Report immediately to Campus Safety, dial 2253 or 2254 or 567.201.3162.
• MAJOR EMERGENCY: Any incident, potential or actual, that affects an entire building or buildings, and which will disrupt the over operations of the College. Outside emergency services will probably be required, as well as major efforts from campus support services. Substantial policy considerations and decisions will usually be required from the Campus Emergency Organization Team (Reference Page 13) during times of crises. The Campus Emergency Organization Team should contact Campus Safety at 2253 and report to Presidential Suite Area.
• DISASTER: Any event or occurrence, which has taken place and has seriously impaired or halted the operations of the College. In some cases, personnel casualties and severe property damage may be sustained. A coordinated effort of all campus-wide resources is required to effectively control the situation. Outside emergency services will be essential. In all cases of disaster, the Campus Emergency Organization Team will be activated, and the appropriate support and operational plans will be executed.
• OTHER: In addition, any incident, which has the potential for adverse publicity or a disruption to campus activities, should be promptly reported to the Campus Safety Officer on duty at 2253.

The College Emergency Procedure Quick Reference Guide is predicated on a realistic approach to the problems likely to be encountered on a campus during a major emergency or disaster. Hence, the following are general guidelines: 

• An emergency or a disaster may occur at any time of the day or night, weekend or holiday, with little or no warning.
• The succession of events in an emergency are not predictable; thus published support and operational plans will serve only as a guide and checklist, and may require field modification in order to meet the requirements of the emergency. 
• Disasters may affect residents in the geographical location of the College. Therefore, City, County, State and Federal emergency services may not be available. A delay in off-campus emergency services may be expected.
• A major emergency may be declared if information indicates that such a condition is developing or is probable.

The authority to declare a campus state of emergency rests with the College President (or his/her designee) as follows: 

• During the period of any campus major emergency, Campus Safety, as needed, shall place into immediate effect the appropriate procedures necessary to meet the emergency, safeguard persons, property, and maintain educational facilities.
• Campus Safety will immediately consult with the College President regarding the situation and the possible need for a declaration of a campus state of emergency. If the President is not available, Campus Safety will notify the Vice President for Academic Affairs.
• When this declaration is made, only registered students, faculty, staff and affiliates are authorized to be present on campus. Those who cannot present proper identification (employee/student ID card or other ID) showing their legitimate business on campus, will be asked to leave. Unauthorized persons refusing to leave may be subject to arrest by law enforcement authorities.

ALL EMPLOYEES: 
In case of an emergency, all employees must follow the specific emergency procedure found in this plan and/or the directions of his/her immediate supervisor. Emergencies that may be life-threatening should be reported immediately to 911 (9-911 from campus phone). Non-life threatening emergencies should be reported to Campus Safety at 419-559-2253. Your personal safety is of utmost concern. All employees are responsible for taking precautions to assure their safety by familiarizing themselves with this plan.

ADMINISTRATORS, DEANS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, DIRECTORS, AND SUPERVISORS: 
Building Coordinators have been assigned for each area. The Coordinator will have the following general responsibilities prior to and during any emergency.

1. Emergency Preparedness: Insure that each employee has an Emergency Procedures Quick Reference Guide.
2. Emergency Situations: 
   1. Inform all employees under their direction of the emergency condition. Campus Safety will activate the emergency phone call system located in all offices, classrooms, and labs.
   2. Evaluate the impact the emergency has on their activity and take appropriate action. This may include ceasing operations and initiating building evacuation.
   3. Maintain emergency telephone communications with officials from their own area of activity (or from an alternate site, if necessary).
      FACULTY AND STAFF SUPERVISORS (or designees) 

Each faculty and staff supervisor has the responsibility to:

1. Educate their students and/or employees concerning College emergency procedures as well as evacuation for their building.
2. Inform their students and/or staff of an emergency and initiate emergency procedures as outlined in this Emergency Response Manual.
3. Survey, evaluate and estimate their assigned building in order to determine the impact a fire or other disaster could have on their facility. Report all safety hazards to Campus Safety.
4. Inform all students, staff and faculty to conform to building evacuation guidelines during any emergency and to report to the evacuation areas.
5. Faculty and staff supervisors should be the last persons out of a classroom or office to insure that all occupants have exited the room and notify Campus Safety of any persons failing to evacuate.

CAMPUS EMERGENCY ORGANIZATION TEAM: 

The Chain of Command for emergency situations with campus-wide impact is:

The Chain of Command for emergency situations with campus-wide impact is:

President (Dr. Ronald Schumacher)
Senior Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Planning (Dr. Cory Stine)
Vice President for Academic Affairs (Mr. William Taylor)
Interim Vice President for Financial Affairs (Mrs. Jacque Foos)

Director of Campus Safety & Security (Mrs. Acacia Hull)

Facilities and Plant Operations Manager (Mr. Duane Kimmet)
Dean of Allied Health, Nursing, and Human Services (Mrs. Ann Sergent)
Dean of Liberal Arts and Business (Mrs. Ann Sergent)
Dean of Technology and Skilled Trades (Dr. Andrew Shella)

 

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONTACTS: 

In the event of temporary absence or sudden loss of presidential services, on behalf of the President:

The primary contact is Dr. Cory Stine, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Planning.

The secondary contact is Mr. William Taylor, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

If the emergency involves a large part of the campus, the Command Post is to be set up in the Presidential Conference Room. If this site is unavailable, then the next Command Post is the Campus Safety Office located in Building E. One uniformed officer is to staff the Command Post at all times until the emergency situation ends. An area for outside and local agency assistance will be established by the Campus Safety Officer for operations of the combined on-site emergency resource team. A conference room with facilities for emergency teams, media crews and accommodations for multiple telephone and/or electrical appliances, is required.

A crisis situation is defined as any circumstance or event having a real or potential major impact on the campus community as a whole. Each crisis or emergency will require a unique public information response dependent on the nature of the crisis. This plan is not intended to change the way emergencies are reported. 911 and Campus Safety should be called immediately upon an emergency. The purpose of this plan is to outline communications procedures during a crisis, including communications within the college community and with the media and the public.

It is the goal of this communication plan to establish guidelines for dealing with a variety of situations, and to ensure the campus staff is familiar with those procedures and their role in the event of an emergency or controversial situation. The plan should be used in conjunction with the decision making process of the College.

In case of medical emergencies and when emergency transport is necessary, EMS will provide the transportation. Emergency transport is requested by calling 911 (9-911 from campus phone).

Generally, it is advised that individual faculty, staff or students not take responsibility for transporting a person involved with any health emergency.

In the case of protective custody or emergency detention where a restraint is necessary, the city of Fremont Police Department will be involved directly with transportation.

Every individual must accept personal responsibility for getting out of a building during an emergency. Even though emergency personnel are usually available to assist with evacuation, this may not always be the case. Alternative plans and arrangements made in advance of an emergency will increase the likelihood that individuals will be able to exit a building safely in the event of an emergency. This is even more critical to the safety of those individuals with mobility impairments because the use of elevators during emergencies is dangerous and should be avoided. Thus, individuals will need to use alternative methods of leaving a building. Because of constantly changing populations and building occupancy patterns, it is not possible for the college to make reliable arrangements for the evacuation of specific individuals from the many buildings they may occupy in the course of a week. In the absence of this ability, the following suggestions are advised for individuals to increase the chances of their safe evacuation from a building in an emergency situation.

Individuals who have mobility impairments or use a wheelchair

• Relocate the student to the nearest safe stairwell exit. Be sure that the student is not situated in a way to impede the evacuation of those using the stairs.
• The stairwells are fire-rated. Therefore, doors leading to the stairway at each floor should be closed.
• Request that a student, staff or faculty member notify emergency personnel of your location.
• Remain with the student until emergency personnel arrive to assist with evacuation.
• Due to medical ramifications, it is not recommended that individuals be removed from wheelchairs and carried without the appropriate training. Emergency personnel are trained in specific carrying techniques and will assess the situation upon arrival.

If immediate evacuation is necessary, ask the person if she/he wants to be lifted from the chair and carried out or moved in the chair as a unit. Preferences vary as to: 

• Ability to be physically removed from the wheelchair. Inquire about physical ramifications of being removed from the wheelchair.
• Ability to extend or move their extremities when lifting due to pain, catheter, and leg bags, spasticity, braces, respirators, etc.
• The number of people necessary to assist.
• Points on the wheelchair where the rescue person should hold onto for lifting.
• Whether the seat cushion or pad should be brought along with them if removed from the chair.
• Best position for being carried.
• How to proceed with after-care if removed from the wheelchair, which may require paramedic involvement.

Below is a list of approved procedures for evacuation of wheelchair users who desire to be evacuated in their wheelchair 

• If a power chair is involved, remove the batteries before attempting to push or lift the unit. Make sure the footrest is locked and the motor is off.
• Before movement or transportation begins, ask the person if a seatbelt is available to secure him or her to the chair.
• Two-person carry is better than one person; a three-person carry is best.
• Three-person carry utilizing one person at the head to guide or steer the chair and two persons at the base (foot) to control speed of descent is the recommended manner for evacuation.

Persons Otherwise Not Ambulatory 

Persons using braces, crutches, canes or walkers should be treated as injured for evacuation procedures. Lifting options include the following:

• Two-man lock arm position.
• Transferring person to a sturdy office-type chair, preferably with arms.
• If carrying a person more than three flights, a relay team arrangement.

Types of evacuation methods to be used for an individual who is non-ambulatory or requires removal from his/her wheelchair: 

• Two-person carry: Assistants stand facing each other and link arms to form a backrest and grip wrists to form a seat. 
• Saddleback carry: Individual with a disability should place both arms over shoulders and grasp hands just below assistant’s neck. Assistant should lean forward to carry the weight.
• One assistant should stand behind the individual and wrap his/her arms around the chest and under the arms of the individual needing assistance. The other assistant should stand facing away from the individual requiring assistance and between his/her legs and lift at the knees.

Individuals who are vision impaired 

Offer to become a sighted guide 

• Ask if he/she would like help and respect his/her wish to decline or accept your offer.
• If your help is accepted, offer the person your arm by tapping the back of your hand against his/her hand. The person should grab your arm directly above the elbow. Never grab the person’s arm or try to direct him/her by pushing or pulling.
• Relax and walk at a comfortable pace. Stay one step ahead of the person you are guiding. At the top and bottom of stairs and at cross streets, pause and stand alongside the person. Always pause when you change directions and step up or down.
• It is helpful to tell the person you are guiding when he/she is approaching changes in terrain, stairs, narrow spaces, elevators, escalators, etc.
• Never leave the person in “free space”. When walking, always be sure that person has a firm grasp on your arm.
• Make modifications as necessary due to other disabilities or requests. If you have to be separated briefly, be sure the person is in contact with the wall, railing, or some other stable object until you return.
   

Individuals who are hearing impaired

• Get person’s attention by switching the light on and off, tapping him/her on the shoulder, etc.
• If the nature of the emergency cannot be communicated non-verbally, write down the nature of the emergency and the nearest evacuation route
• Offer to escort the person as he/she may not be able to follow oral commands if they are being given.`

Campus Evacuations to Parking Lots

• All building evacuations will occur when a Terra Alert through the Sandusky County WENS system goes off with a warning that is issued via text and email. Upon notification by campus safety officers or college personnel. Individuals are asked to take all personnel items with them when they leave.
• In the event of a campus-wide evacuation, all individuals, with the exception of those who are a part of the Chain of Command, will be directed to designated rally points.

Evacuations for Fire

• If a fire alarm sounds, all persons should gather their belongings, use the nearest stairway and proceed to leave the building. All persons shall exit the building in an orderly fashion, according to the procedures followed during a routine fire drill.
• When exiting building proceed to designated rally points. 
• Elevators should never be used during a fire alarm.
• Persons with mobility issues should wait at the stairwell until emergency personnel can assist them to the ground floor. An attempt should be made to notify Campus Safety of their location. In cases of imminent danger, others should immediately assist mobility-impaired people to reach safety.
• Possible fire emergency(s) shall be reported to Campus Safety. Campus Safety will investigate and take charge of the situation until the fire department arrives. The same evacuation procedures apply for Explosions, Environmental explosions, Hazardous spills, Natural disasters, Mechanical failures, bomb threats, weapons of mass destruction and plane crashes.

Evacuations for Tornado Warnings

• If a tornado drill is issued by authorities or if tornado warning sirens are sounded, all people will be advised to move quickly to a designated tornado shelters on campus.
• Campus notification will be completed by the Sandusky County WENS system via text or email.
• If appropriate tornado shelters are not available people should use protected stairwells or sit in the first floor hallways with their backs against the wall away from all glass.
• Areas with glass windows or skylights should be avoided. Flying glass is responsible for many of the injuries resulting from tornado strikes on buildings.
• People should remain in their shelters until the all clear is given by Campus Safety. Campus Safety personnel will go through the buildings to make sure everyone is informed of the all clear.

• The College President will make the determination on closing campus for weather emergencies.
• An emergency call list will be prepared, maintained, and utilized for the determination and notification of closings. An emergency call list will be prepared, maintained, and utilized for the determination and notification of closings. Notification through the Sandusky County WENS system will be utilized to notify the faculty, staff and students who have signed up to receive these message alerts.
• The College President will cause notifications to be made to the public through the media (television, radio, and newspaper) as well as the college web site.
• In case of snow emergencies, the Facilities and Plant Operations Manager will coordinate for snow removal.
• In cases where a snow emergency requires closing the school after the day has begun, the college will try to make the decision to close the college before roads become dangerous.
• Plans will be established for caring for people trapped on campus by snow emergencies. These plans will include feeding and sleeping shelter arrangements on campus.

The College will test the emergency response and evacuation procedures on an annual basis. The College will publicize the annual test including a description of the exercise as well as the date and time of the exercise.

In conjunction with Sandusky County, Terra State offers The Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS) for students and staff to receive emergency alert notifications. These notifications will include weather related and other unscheduled college closings, campus emergency alerts, and severe weather situations such as tornado and winter storm warnings.

Students, faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to register for this free service. Once you register, Terra State can quickly send critical campus safety information directly to you. This information includes school closings and other safety threats.

Not only will vital alert information be sent directly to you, it will also be posted online at Terra.edu.

1. If a bomb threat is received by telephone, alert the nearest administrator in some way, TRY TO KEEP THE CALLER ON THE LINE until such time as information is gathered to assist the appropriate administrator in determining the extent and location of the threat. The majority of bomb threats are received by telephone. This places a great importance on the first and possibly the only contact that will be had with the bomber. It is imperative that the person receiving the call obtain as much information as possible.
2. Never disregard any call relative to a bomb scare. A threat is often used to disrupt normal activities but the danger involved is too great to discount any threat.
3. Attempt to record details of the conversation using the attached check list (Appendix A), especially if the caller is willing to reveal the placement and type of bomb. Use responses such as “I’m sorry, there is some noise behind me. Would you repeat your message?”
4. In addition to the conversation, listen for background noises that might provide a clue as to the origin of the call.
5. If possible, listen to the caller’s voice for quality, accents, speech impediments and any other indicators of the caller’s identity.
   • Persons receiving a phone call bomb threat should remain calm and ask the caller: 
     • When is the bomb going to explode?
     • Where is the bomb located?
     • What does it look like?
     • What kind of bomb is it?
     • What will cause it to explode?
     • Did you place the bomb?
     • Why did you place the bomb?
     • Where are you calling from?
     • What is your name?
     • What is your address?
   • The more detailed and specific a threat is the more likely the threat is real. Keep talking to the caller as long as possible and try to ascertain and record the following:
     • Exact Time of call.
     • Age and sex of caller.
     • Speech pattern, accent, possible nationality, etc.
     • Emotional state of the caller.
     • Background noise.
     • If you have caller ID, record the displayed number.
     • Exact wording of the threat
   • Post Bomb Threat Phone Call Procedures 
     • Hang up only after the caller hangs up.
     • Immediately notify Campus Safety by dialing "2253".
     • Remain at your reported location until the arrival of Campus Safety.
     • Make note of the caller's exact words and other observations.
     • Follow the Building/Campus bomb threat procedure.
6.  A person receiving a bomb threat call should immediately inform the nearest administrator and Campus Safety and give them the notes jotted down regarding the threat.
7. The administrator and/or Campus Safety will evaluate the threat and inform the President of the situation. If there is even the slightest possibility that a bomb exists the President or designee shall direct Campus Safety to :
   1. Call the Police, and /or Fire Department (calling 911 will notify both)
   2. Conduct an orderly evacuation if needed.
8. The President will cause notifications to be made to Vice Presidents, Deans, and Building Coordinators.
9. Depending on the nature of the threat the decision will be made by the College President or her designee as to the appropriate response after consulting with emergency personnel (Police and Fire).
10. Some options are: Occupant team search: perform a low key “covert” search using campus personnel assisting the trained emergency responders. Doing a search with campus personnel has the advantage of the fact that they are familiar with which items should and should not be present. Suspicious items may be apparent to Terra State Community College Personnel where they might not be to Police and Fire. Designated College officials shall be available to provide assistance as requested. Safety personnel shall provide needed items to searchers such as a two way radio, and pass keys. Keep in mind that two way radios could possibly set off an explosive device. If the caller indicates a detonation time, the search will be called off 30 minutes prior to that time and all personnel evacuated.
    • OR
11. Conduct an immediate evacuation by activating the Sandusky County WENS system. Instruct evacuees to take all personal items with them when leaving the building. Be aware of the fact that if an actual explosive device is being used that that odds of a secondary device in the parking lot is great. Open areas would be safer than the cars in the parking lots. People should be directed to stay at least 400-600 feet from the building (beyond the parking lots).
12. If a bomb or suspicious item is discovered DO NOT TOUCH IT OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE IT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! At that point all personnel will be evacuated and the Police will request an Explosive Disposal Unit to handle it.
13. Notify those persons who are attempting to enter the target facility of the threat. No one other than emergency personnel should enter. See notification form to be posted on all entrances. If possible secure and lock all entrances to prevent anyone from entering.
14. Once evacuations are made, no one shall be allowed to re-enter the buildings unless instructed to do so by a college, Fire, or Police Official. After the all clear is given, building re-entry will be approved by the President or her designee.
15. Terra State Community College Campus Safety and other personnel will assist the Fremont Police to investigate thoroughly all incidents of actual or attempted bombing incidents and/or terroristic threats
16. In the case of a bomb threat employees are requested to make a cursory inspection (brief look around) of their area for suspicious objects and to report the location to Campus Safety. DO NOT TOUCH ANY SUSPICIOUS OBJECT!
17. Do not close doors to offices or classrooms! If there is an actual explosive device, leaving doors and windows open will minimize the damage due to blast overpressure waves. They should not open drawers, cabinets unless these are areas under their sole control and they know for a fact that there is nothing out of the ordinary in them. If so, leaving them open will facilitate the search procedure. Do not turn lights on or off, leave them as they are.
18. Safety will forward a report to the President once the incident is resolved.

Introduction and Overview

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) has been developed to assist students, faculty, and staff members at Terra State Community College. The overall goal of the BIT is to promote a safe environment for all, and an environment that is focused on and enhances student learning and student development. This goal involves the collaboration of the entire College community in a proactive, prevention-minded approach to problematic behavior. It uses an early identification and response strategy to manage emerging situations with a focus on preventing escalation of concerning behaviors.

Behavioral Intervention Team

Overall, the Behavioral Intervention Team seeks to increase communication, collaboration, and coordination regarding behavior that raises concerns or disrupts the College learning environment. The BIT enhances campus safety and promotes success by providing a centralized listening and response function regarding problematic behavior. This includes providing consultation and support to those dealing with the situations as they emerge, tracking and assessing incidents and patterns of incidents, responding to the individuals involved along BIT guidelines, and documenting all of the above.

The Behavioral Intervention Team is a multidisciplinary team that meets regularly to serve five major functions for the College:

1. Provide consultation and support to members of the College community in assisting individuals who display concerning or disruptive behaviors;
2. Respond to reports, gather information to assess situations involving individuals who display concerning or disruptive behaviors; engage reported individuals in a process aimed at correcting the disturbing behavior;
3. Recommend appropriate intervention strategies or disciplinary sanctions;
4. Connect individuals with needed campus and community resources;
5. Monitor ongoing behavior of individuals who have displayed disruptive or concerning behavior.

Team Membership

The Behavioral Intervention Team is composed of representatives from critical areas of the campus community and includes:

• Admissions
• Campus Safety and Security
• Disability Services
• Faculty Member
• On campus counseling
• Residence Life

Designee’s from the listed departments are able to attend in place of assigned members. Additional members from the campus community are included in meetings of the BIT as necessary.

Behavioral Intervention Team: Representatives from the following departments

• Acacia Hull - Director of Campus Safety & Security BIT Chair
• Dr. Cory Stein - V.P. President of Innovation and Strategic Planning
• Larry Cunningham - Faculty (Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice)
• Tim Shaal - Dean of Student Success
• Ruby Santiago - Residence Life (Landings)
• Jill Aldrich - Residence Life (Landings)
• Karin Mitchell - Contract Work (on campus counseling) 
• Promedica - Off Campus Counseling

*Invited for beginning part of meetings to talk about any students that my live out at the Landings, or athletic player incidents, but then will be dismissed.

*Coaches – Men & Woman’s Basketball, Baseball, Soccer, Golf, Volleyball and E-Sports.

*Deans

* Title IX

 

Reporting Process

The overall goal of the BIT is to promote a safe campus environment for all students and staff, one that focuses on student learning, development, and success. By encouraging all members of the campus community to report concerning behaviors, the BIT will be able to reach out to students or individuals to intervene, provide support, and connect them with resources that can assist them. As such, the Behavioral Intervention Team asks that the campus community report concerning “red flag behaviors.”

Examples of “Red Flag Behaviors”

A “red flag behavior” is a questionable, suspicious or inappropriate behavior that may be presented through an individual’s appearance, spoken or written words, or specific actions. Examples of “red flag behaviors” include: Behavior(s) which regularly interfere with classroom environment or management; Notable change in academic performance – poor or inconsistent preparation; Notable change in behavior or appearance; Impairment of thoughts – verbally or in writing; Aggressive behaviors toward others; inability to set limits or re-direct focus; Poor decision making and coping skills; Inappropriate or strange behavior; Low frustration tolerance; Overreaction to circumstances; Lack of resiliency; Writings and comments endorsing violence; unusual interest in violence; Indirect or direct threats in writings or verbalizations; Lack of empathy and concern for others; inability to care; Anger management problems; Threats to others; Appearance of being overly nervous, tense or tearful; Expression of suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness; or Withdrawal and isolation; or concern of abuse of drugs and/or alcohol.

Report of Incident or Concern

The Report of Incident or Concern is designed to enable faculty, staff and students to voluntarily report “red flag behaviors” or examples of misconduct that may raise concerns at TSCC. An incident, in this context, is an event that raises concerns but is not an emergency that warrants immediate intervention. In the event of an emergency that requires immediate intervention, call 911. 

The Report of Incident or Concern will provide a mechanism for responding to individual incidents and will reveal patterns of disruptive behavior if they are present. It will also provide compiled data on the nature and frequency of disruptions at TSCC. This report provides a standardized method for recording observations of troublesome behaviors and for alerting staff of potential concerns.

All members of the College community are encouraged to contact the BIT with concerns about distressing, disturbing, or disruptive behavior that they observe. This webpage contains all the information needed to make a report.  

In accordance with the Terra State Community College Student Code of Conduct, information provided in the Report of Incident or Concern form may also be considered in determining appropriate disciplinary action with students.

What Happens after a Report is made?

A report or question to the BIT activates a process of information gathering, assessment and intervention aimed at responding to the situation in a proactive, preventive and caring manner in order to restore a safe and positive learning environment. The information gathering and assessment process will determine the need for intervention and the choice of intervention strategies that may be applicable.

Privacy Concerns

In any situation involving reporting, privacy concerns emerge. Privacy is a high priority of the BIT. Records and proceedings of the BIT are kept confidential and shared only on a "need to know" basis in a manner that is consistent with FERPA and College policy and procedures. While every effort will be made to protect privacy of both the reporting individual and person of concern, situations that potentially involve danger or harm require that action be taken to protect those at risk.

Individuals are allowed to make anonymous reports; however, if a name is not provided, it may hamper the team’s ability to seek follow up information that may be critical in determining an appropriate course of action. If a name is provided the team will provide feedback regarding actions taken.