Introduction and Intent

Years ago, GCC established a Behavioral Management Team (BMT), under the supervision of then-Dean, Student Affairs, Dr. Paul Schlossman. The team, consisting of a diverse and multidisciplinary group of professionals from our campuses, was tasked with the role of consulting with the Office of Student Affairs with regard to student disciplinary cases. The BMT is charged with consulting, offering suggestions, referrals and resources to our students, staff and faculty, and assisting in creating a supportive network for all individuals on our campuses. Professionals from College Police, the Health Center, DSPS, and other relevant areas are represented. These individuals are all able to provide specialized knowledge and expertise to help the group plan a course of action that is most likely to support the best outcome for all involved. 

The BMT was formed to model the standards established by the National Behavior Intervention Team Association or NaBITA, founded in 2009. This organization is an independent and not-for-profit that serves more than 1,550 college, university and school representatives, and provides 180 Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) related model policies, training tools, templates and other materials. Its vision is to “make our campuses safer environments where development, education and caring intervention are fostered and encouraged” (nabita.org).

A traditional Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) model is slightly different than GCC’s Behavioral Management Team. A BIT is charged with, “…tracking red flags over time, detecting patterns, trends, and disturbances in individual or group behavior. When a BIT received reports of disruptive, problematic, or concerning behavior or misconduct, the team conducts an investigation, performs a threat assessment, and determines the best mechanisms for support, intervention, warning/notification, and response.”

Glendale College’s BMT operates under a similar model, however, the individuals on the team provide specific and customized support and a comprehensive approach utilizing many different resources to encourage a fair and effective response and outcome. The BMT relies on the professional judgment of law enforcement, often along with campus mental health specialists, to provide threat assessment, and this information is utilized to determine the course of action. If an individual is determined to be an imminent threat to self or others, appropriate action is taken immediately, and the BMT may not be involved in any intervention, however recommendations for follow up are often discussed, recommended, and planned. 

The BMT does not take the place of any one individual or group on campus, nor does it serve in the capacity of threat assessment.  The BMT operates as a comprehensive and multimodal approach to resolving disruptive behavior in an attempt to provide students and faculty the support they need to prevent further disruptions, and maintain a safe and secure learning and working environment. 

Any faculty or staff member is encouraged to reach out to any member of the BMT to discuss a student’s behavior, are unsure about whether or not to make a report, or are unclear about what behavior may be considered disruptive. The BMT’s first priority is to be supportive to all of our campus communities, and committed to help GCC remain a safe campus, free of disruptions and distractions that may hinder the learning process. 

Please review the following 5 Key Principles of Violence Prevention, as identified by the Virginia Tech Threat Assessment Team:

1.   Prevention is possible. 
   Threat assessment is about identifying people who may need assistance and intervening effectively thereby preventing greater safety concerns.
   
   
2. Threat assessment is about behavior, not profiles. 
   How a person acts is more important than how he/she looks or dresses.
   
   
3. Early intervention and identification helps everyone.
   When behaviors are identified before they become serious, many non-punitive options can be offered to assist the person. 
   
   
4.  Keep victims in mind.
   The team works to help victims manage the situation. 
   
   
5. Safety is a primary focus. 
   The focus of the case is on what can be done for the situation, not to the subject.

And the following 5 Golden Rules, adapted from Saddleback College’s Student Handbook:

1.  Trust your instincts
2. Be familiar with the student code of conduct
3.  Don’t hesitate to call College Police
4. If you think the student may be harmful to him/her self, do not leave the student alone or wait to call for help. 
5. You may be the critical link in assisting the student. Know that whatever the situation is, campus resources are available. 

Glendale College’s Behavioral Management Team is here for you. Please contact us anytime for referrals, information, guidance, or ideas in how to handle specific difficult situations. (BMT contact)

Information will continue to be added to the website, and resources will be updated on a continual basis. Should you find an error or would like a resource or additional information added, please contact Tracey Ziegler, DSPS, x5451.