Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) FAQs

In an emergency always dial 911 — BIT is not intended as a response to an emergency situation. When in doubt, report. By reporting troubling behavior, you give BIT the opportunity to intervene and connect an individual in distress with critical resources. Reporting also helps the campus community by centralizing concerns; more often than not, if you’ve noticed a concerning behavior, someone else has too.

In an emergency always dial 911 — BIT is not intended as a response to an emergency situation.
When in doubt, report. By reporting troubling behavior, you give BIT the opportunity to intervene and connect an individual in distress with critical resources. Reporting also helps the campus community by centralizing concerns; more often than not, if you’ve noticed a concerning behavior, someone else has too.

Reporting troubling behavior allows BIT to intervene early and connect an individual in distress with important resources. Reporting shows you care, helps the person stay successful, and contributes to a centralized understanding of the situation.

BIT should be alerted when you witness or are made aware of any of the following behaviors from any member of the Foothill community:

• Suicidal statements or self-harm.
• Dangerous behavior or threats toward others (including domestic/relationship violence).
• Sudden or unusual changes in behavior or appearance.
• Significant changes in attendance or academic performance.
• Disproportionate responses to stress, outbursts, or aggressive statements.
• Unusual focus on violence or morbidity.
• Increasing isolation.
• Major personal issues or crisis.
• Any behavior that seems out of the ordinary for that individual.

A new electronic reporting system is being implemented. To submit a report now, use the Maxient Incident Report form.

The referral form covers the essentials, but helpful details include:

• The individual’s name and, if available, their student ID number.
• Factual information about the situation.
• Names and contact details of witnesses.
• Any photos or videos of the incident.

BIT meets weekly and uses a protocol to determine next steps. These may include:

• Contacting the individual to connect them with counseling, financial aid, health services, social agencies, or legal resources.
• Determining that no contact is needed if an existing plan is already working.
• Contacting the reporting party with guidance or resources.
• Referring the individual to the Dean of Student Affairs for possible behavioral agreements.
• Providing updates to the reporting party when appropriate and allowed by privacy policies.

Any member of the Foothill College community with access to MyPortal may submit a BIT report.

BIT evaluates the report to determine whether a threat exists and what level of risk is involved. Based on that assessment, BIT recommends appropriate actions and resources. A BIT member may contact the individual directly. BIT assists with arranging sessions or support, and in rare cases involving hospitalization, coordinates with external agencies to determine return-to-campus conditions. The goal is always to support the individual while maintaining a safe learning environment.

BIT assesses every situation with the same goal of helping the individual in distress. Employees may receive different types of resources, but the focus remains on campus safety and support.

Reports are confidential except when the individual poses an immediate danger to themselves or others.

You can contact your division dean, the Dean of Student Affairs & Activities, or other related offices for guidance.

Yes, but doing so may limit BIT’s ability to gather important information or follow up with you.

• Office of Student Affairs – ext. 7241
• District Police (Non-Emergency) – ext. 7313
• Psychological Services – ext. 7910
• Health Services – ext. 7243
• Academic Counseling Services – ext. 7423
• Disability Resources – ext. 7017
• International Students – ext. 7105
• Financial Aid – ext. 7245
• Testing & Assessment – ext. 7230
• Faculty
• Staff
• Administration

Recommended resources include:

• NABITA (National Behavioral Intervention Team Association)
• Colorado Safe Schools resources
• U.S. Secret Service – National Threat Assessment Center