When Should I Make a Report?
Special Note on Current or Imminent Threats
Please note that the Behavioral Intervention Team does not provide emergency response services. Call 911 or Campus Police at 706-355-5039, if you are experiencing an emergency or critical incident. Additional security/law enforcement contact information is as follows:
- 706-621-9817 - On-Duty Security Officer
- 706-621-9860 - On-Duty Police Officer
Guidance on Reporting
Behaviors that cause concern for the safety or well-being of a member of the college community should be reported to the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) as soon as possible. Delays in reporting could place others and/or the student at greater risk of harm and create additional negative consequences for the student if behaviors escalate.
All students, faculty, and staff members are urged to submit a report if they have concerns that relate to behavioral issues pertaining to a student.
Examples of Behaviors to Report
A "red flag" or concerning behavior is a questionable, suspicious, or inappropriate behavior that may be presented through appearance, speech, written works, or specific actions. Examples may include:
- Threats to others
- Indirect or direct threats in writings or verbalizations
- Expression of suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness
- Notable change in behavior or appearance
- Overly aggressive behavior towards others
- Self-injurious behaviors
- Low frustration tolerance
- Overreaction to circumstances
- Appearance of being overly nervous, tense, or tearful
- Abnormal or disturbing behaviors
Questions to Consider
Consider the following questions as a general guide when deciding whether or not to report—and remember to trust your instinct:
- Have you noticed any significant changes in the individual’s mood, behavior, or social functioning?
- Are there disruptive behaviors that could escalate and place the individual and/or others at risk of harm?
- Do you sense that the individual is struggling to maintain in the college environment?
- Do you believe the individual is at risk of harming self or others?
- Have you noticed any signs that could indicate self-mutilation, such as observable cuts or burns?
- Has the individual made any direct or veiled comments or threats related to suicide or homicide, either in verbal or written communication?
- Have you noticed any major changes in academic or work-related performance?
- Have you noticed repeated absences from class or work?
- Are you aware of any significant changes in hygiene or appearance?
- Do you suspect current alcohol or drug-related issues?
- Do you believe there is a possibility that the individual could be a victim of recent physical or sexual abuse?
- Does the individual seem paranoid?
- Are you aware of any inappropriate interest in weapons?
Are All Concerns and Complaints Handled by the BIT?
All concerns and complaints do not require intervention from the Behavioral Intervention Team. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Student Right-to-Know Information as published on the ATC website, located in the current Catalog, for clarification and appropriate contact information. For example, a student may have a complaint related to an academic grade that does not involve behavioral disturbance, or any other concern of a critical nature; under such circumstances, a student should refer to the steps as listed in the current ATC Catalog. The ATC Catalog also provides helpful information related to the reporting of discrimination and harassment.