Behavior Review Team

Transcription

1 Threat Assessment and Behavior Review Policy I. Scope The policies provided herein apply to all Ferris State University faculty, staff, students and guests on the FSU main campus, Kendall College of Art and Design, the campuses associated with the College of Professional and Technological Studies and online course offerings. II. Introduction The Threat Assessment and Behavior Review Policy is the first step in the attempt to determine the level of risk to self and others. The Distressed Individual Response Continuum (see below) designates and groups an individual s behavior as mild risk to extreme risk by identifying their need for or likely benefit from immediate intervention. Behavior Review Team Threat Assessment Team Classroom and Employee Behavior Management A. Distressed Individual Response Continuum Defined The purpose of the continuum system process for sorting individuals into groups designating mild risk to extreme risk based on their need for or likely benefit from immediate treatment; to serve in an advisory capacity for behaviors of concern that expand beyond classroom or employee management issues; and to develop the process for connecting the dots regarding individual behavior of concern on the Ferris State University campuses. Page 1 of 5

2 B. Issues of Classroom and Employee Behavior Management Defined The instructor is in charge of the course including classroom management issues. o Referral to syllabus policy regarding expected behavior within the classroom. o Referral to department head/chair Employee behavior concerns should be dealt with by the appropriate authority (i.e. Department Head, Dean, and Supervisor) according to HR Policies and/or Collective Bargaining Agreement. C. Behavior Review Team Defined The purpose of the Behavior Review Team is to provide a forum to consult with faculty and staff who report concerns about Ferris State University faculty, staff and students who are exhibiting disruptive or disturbing behavior. Meeting about the behaviors of concern in this forum addresses policy and procedures, coordinates services, and improves communication and working relationships among those trying to help others. Typically the following core offices are involved: o Academic Affairs o Birkam Health Center o Dean of Student Life o Department of Public Safety o General Counsel's Office o Housing o Human Resources o Office of Student Conduct o Psychological Counseling Center o Student Affairs Threat Assessment Team Defined The purpose of the Threat Assessment Team is to serve as a highly trained investigative committee/team to determine the credibility and seriousness of a threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out by an individual. It also provides a means of identifying appropriate interventions to prevent campus violence by: Conducting Threat Assessment Interventions Assessing the Type of Threat and Level of Risk Implementing Threat Assessment Process Page 2 of 5

3 III. Policy A. Issues of Classroom/Employee Behavior Management Classroom management concerns should be dealt with by the instructor according to established guidelines within their syllabus, Department policy and/or appropriate College policy. Employee behavior concerns should be dealt with by the appropriate authority (i.e. Department Head, Dean, and Supervisor) according to HR Policies and/or Collective Bargaining Agreement. B. Behavior Review Team The University has established a process to consult with faculty/staff and help individuals who have behavioral problems and are unable to cope with daily pressures or other stresses, particularly when the rights of others or an individual s own health and safety may be endangered. This policy establishes team responsibilities and duties. The Behavior Review Team works purely in an advisory capacity though may make referrals to the Threat Assessment Team for intervention, the Psychological Counseling Center, Department of Public Safety, Office of Student Conduct and/or any other entity deemed necessary for successful resolution of the behavior(s) of concern. Behaviors of concern would include Significant behavioral problems Disruptive, disturbing or distressful behaviors Individuals in (serious) crisis Significant and/or recurring mental health/behavioral issues High risk individuals who have come to the attention of several areas within the University Individuals who are repeatedly violating the safety and academic integrity of the campus community. Trespass in violation of Michigan law C. Threat Assessment Team The purpose of the Threat Assessment Team is to evaluate potentially threatening situations within the Ferris State University community, to determine the credibility and seriousness of a threat and the likelihood that it will be carried out by an individual; and to determine various responses to the threat; including acting upon the threat, or when appropriate, make recommendations to the Ferris State University President on the proper course of action to be taken. The Vice President of Student Affairs (or his/her designee) and/or the Associate Vice-President of Student Affairs (or his/her designee) and/or Dean of Student Life (or his/her designee) has the Page 3 of 5

4 discretion to call for a Threat Assessment Team review when facing an extraordinary behavioral and/or safety issue and/or when there may be a targeted threat or the existence of other emergent circumstances. Threat Defined: An expression or act could be considered a threat if it meets either of the following criteria: An expression of intent or perceived intent to do harm or act violently against someone or something (including self), by means of spoken, written, or symbolic communication. A campus incident or situation that is judged a significant risk to damage the reputation, productivity, morale or fiscal integrity of Ferris State University. IV. Prohibited Conduct Prohibited acts of campus violence include, but are not limited to threats, intimidation, physical attack, property damage and domestic/relationship violence which occur either on campus, or which may potentially affect a member of the campus community while he/she are on campus. Violent or threatening behavior may consist of: physical acts, oral or written statements, harassing messages, harassing telephone calls, gestures or behaviors that are threatening to either the physical or psychological well-being of the individual. Such behavior includes selfdirected as well as other-directed violence or threat of violence (See Safe Campus Policy). Threats are unacceptable regardless of whether the person communicating the threat has the ability to carry them out, whether the threat is made on a present, conditional, or future basis, or whether the threat is made in person, through another person, in writing, over the phone, in the mail, or electronically. V. Reporting Procedures A. Issues of Classroom/Employee Behavior Management Classroom management concerns should be dealt with by the instructor according to established guidelines within their syllabus, Department policy and/or appropriate College policy. Employee behavior concerns should be dealt with by the appropriate authority (i.e. Department Head, Dean, and Supervisor) according to HR Policies and/or Collective Bargaining Agreement. B. Behavior Review Team The Behavior Review Team is available for consultation when there is concern about potentially harmful, threatening, or disruptive behavior of an individual. Faculty, staff and others may refer any student demonstrating behaviors of concern to both the Dean of Student Life and the Psychological Counseling Center. Page 4 of 5

5 Faculty, staff and others may refer any faculty or staff member demonstrating behaviors of concern to his or her supervisor. C. Threat Assessment Team All members of the university community are encouraged to be alert to the possibility of violent acts on the part of employees, former employers, students, former students, visitors, contractors, or others and should report such potential threats to his/her supervisor/department Head/Chair, or Academic Dean/VP, RA/Hall Director and/or other faculty/staff members at FSU. Emergencies should be reported to the Ferris State University Department of Public Safety at x5000/ /911. Faculty and staff working in off-campus locations (i.e., Kendall College of Arts and Design and/or College for Professional and Technological Studies) should report emergencies to local law enforcement/911. VI. Routine Classroom/Employment/Residential Life Management This policy does not replace routine management actions such as counseling, reprimands, or change in classroom/work/living assignments. This policy is intended for those cases of continuing inappropriate actions or threats where normal management and actions have been ineffective and the possibility of violence is such that the involvement of others (including law enforcement) may be needed. Page 5 of 5