The WNC Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) aims to foster a safe campus environment by providing resources to support students, faculty and staff. BIT helps meet the needs of distressed, distressing and or disruptive students through a network of campus and community resources.

Student Support

• Consultation toward resolution of an immediate problem
• Counseling or advisement through WNC Counseling Services or Disability Support Services
• On campus safety through University Police Services
• Resource and referral information

Sources of Student Distress

• Academic Difficulty
• Alcohol or drug problems
• Bullying
• Depression
• Family/domestic partner problems
• Stress and anxiety
• Crying

Distressed Student Signs and Symptoms

Student behavior may indicate a need for additional support.

• Appearing troubled or confused
• Arriving late or missing class excessively
• Crying
• Lack of motivation/concentration
• Leaving class early
• Missing assignments/deadlines
• Sleeping in class
• E-mails of excuses
• Outbursts or shouting/frustration
• Complacency, withdrawing from engagement

Distressing/Disruptive Students

Student behaviors may be distracting and have a negative impact on the educational experience for other students.

• Cell phone use or sounds
• Challenging authority
• Demanding special treatment
• Displaying dangerous conduct
• Dominating discussions
• Eating/drinking in class
• Verbal/physical threats to others
• Making offensive remarks
• Prolonged chattering
• Shuffling paper in backpacks and notepads
• Talking out of turn

Faculty/Staff Support

BIT has procedures in place to ensure open communication between campus departments when a behavioral threat has been identified.

• Initial threat assessment
• Consultation toward resolution of an immediate problem
• Clarification of faculty/staff responsibility in distressed student situations
• Resource and referral information
• Strategies and resources for classroom management
• Campus communication and reporting as necessary
• Tips for student intervention
• Student conduct assistance

Prevention and Intervention Tips

Tips for Prevention

• Establish clear expectations for classroom behavior
• Identify specific academic guidelines and grading criteria
• Set up means for routine communication, such as email
• Get to know your students

Tips for Possible Intervention

• Address the student directly/privately about your observations or concerns
• Address behavior, not character
• If emotional distress is evident, consider calling or walking student to Counseling Services
• Consider non-counseling referrals, such as Academic Skills Center or Veteran Resource Center
• Consult a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team for information & support with the student present

Your expression of concern may provide students the motivation they need to seek needed help or services.

Request assistance from BIT by contacting: