Office of Student Affairs

 KNOW WHEN TO DIAL 911

• There is an immediate need for intervention
• There is an indication of imminent threat
• A direct act of violence has occurred

STAY INFORMED

SafeZone: Sign up for alerts and download the app for the most up-to-date emergency information.

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) oversees the Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Team (BAIT) in which is a resource designed to support the campus community by identifying and addressing concerning behaviors in students. If a student is experiencing a crisis, exhibiting unusual behavior, or engaging in actions that could be perceived as harmful to themselves or others, a BAIT referral can be made by completing the Behavioral Assessment and Intervention Form. BAIT members evaluate these reports to ensure appropriate support and intervention.

For employee-related concerns, reports should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at 956.326.2365.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Recognizing Concerning Behaviors

Best Responsive Practices

Speaking with Students in Distress

Referring Students to Resources

Glossary of Terms

FAQs

RECOGNIZE

Concerning Behavior Matrix

This matrix outlines various behaviors and actions, detailing how they may be perceived by those evaluating concerning behavior. It highlights classroom, psychological, and physical contexts to indicate where and how these behaviors might manifest. The matrix categorizes behaviors into disruptive, distressing, and threatening, aiding in assessing their severity.

RESPOND

Best Practices & Courses of Action

Understanding how to respond to concerning behaviors is crucial, as not all require emergency action. Students need safe spaces to express themselves, but their distressing behaviors can cause fear in others. Psychological fear arises from perceived threats, even without physical danger. Balancing our own fear is key to effectively addressing these issues. The matrix below helps in understanding behavior and providing appropriate support.

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Speaking with Students in Distress

Reaching out to students in distress may be daunting. Creating spaces that foster psychological safety encourages students to express themselves to receive effective support. Balancing your own fear involves managing your emotions to remain calm and supportive. Your composure and empathy reassure students and model healthy coping strategies. The following questions and tips can help to initiate conversations that guide students toward academic and personal success.

START THE CONVERSATION

REFER

Resource Contact Information

Unsure of who to contact or have a concern not listed below? Contact Student Affairs at 956.326.2265 or studentaffairs@tamiu.edu for guidance on any concerning behavior.

RESOURCES FOR STUDENT CONCERNS

ON- & OFF-CAMPUS RESOURCES

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Report It: TAMIU's proactive reporting system allowing community members to submit concerns about potential issues. These reports are reviewed by a team of professionals who promptly follow up with students to share resources and support that may help them through any challenge or concern they are experiencing. The following are Report It processes:

• Case Management: A collaborative process between a staff member and student to achieve goals by identifying concerns, assessing obstacles, setting goals, and monitoring needs and services.
• Behavioral Assessment & Intervention Team: A university committee providing high-level care for students in crisis, creating strategies to support student well-being and success, involving academic advisors, case managers, and other campus stakeholders. Additionally, they are charged with assessing circumstances, enhancing communication, and initiating appropriate responses to specific behavior problems that may involve threats to the safety and security of the university community.

Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA): A federal law protecting the privacy of student education records, outlining parents' and students' rights regarding disclosure and annual notifications. It is not a violation of FERPA to inform University Police, the Director of Student Affairs, or other consultative offices listed when reporting an incident of a student in distress.

Mandated Reporting:

• Title IX Incidents at Colleges / Universities: Employees must report any information about sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, or stalking involving a person enrolled or employed at the time of the incident.
• Child Abuse or Neglect: If you suspect child abuse or neglect, call the 24-hour toll-free abuse hotline at 1-800-525-5400 or dial 911 for emergencies.
• Abuse of Adults with Disabilities or Seniors: Anyone suspecting abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an adult with disabilities or a senior aged 65 or older can report it by calling 1-800-252-5400 or visiting of txabusehotline.org.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Crisis: A time of intense difficulty or challenge, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed, confused, or unable to cope.

Imminence: The quality of being ready to occur, impending, or dangerously near.

Psychological Fear: Intense fear or anxiety felt internally when perceiving an imminent threat, triggering physiological responses even without physical danger.

Psychological Safety: The belief that one can express themselves without fear of negative consequences to self-image, status, or career. It's about creating an environment where individuals feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their thoughts, and making mistakes without fear of judgment or retribution.

Registered Disability: A student formally registered with Student Disability Services, having requested, and been granted academic adjustments based on supporting documentation.

Targeted Violence: Any premeditated act of violence directed at specific individuals, groups, or locations, violating U.S. or State criminal laws.

True Threat: When a speaker communicates a serious expression of intent to commit an act of unlawful violence to a particular individual or group of individuals.

Welfare Check: A police request to check on someone who may be a danger to themselves or others, a child at immediate risk, or a criminal situation of immediate concern.

FAQS