Behavioral Intervention Team

About:

The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at the University of Mississippi exists to address student behavioral concerns that are not supportive of the faculty’s pursuit of the university’s central function and are not addressed by an existing agency of the university. Included in, but not limited to, the list of behaviors are threats, aberrant or strange behavior, violent or perceived violent behavior, repeated threats of suicide or violence against others. BIT shall make recommendations to the chancellor, provost, and vice chancellor for student affairs with regard to a student’s ability to continue at the University of Mississippi. BIT does not pre-empt any other university department in performing its duties in enforcing the law or managing student situations.

In addition, BIT shall be responsible for developing and reviewing university policies that address such situations and behavior.

The team shall consist of a representative of the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (chair), University Police Department (UPD), Provost’s Office, Registrar’s Office, University Counseling Center, University Attorney’s Office and Office of the Dean of Students. Other ad hoc members may be added as dictated by individual situations.

Objectives:

To serve as a resource for the university community in addressing student behavior that is not addressed by an existing agency of the University of Mississippi;

To develop and review policies that address aberrant or threatening student behavior;

To provide educational opportunities for university departments about managing aberrant or threatening student behavior;

To gather information about select situations and assess the need for intervention;

To provide support for academic and university departments in dealing with difficult student behavioral situations; and

To make recommendations to the dean of the student’s college or school, vice chancellor for student affairs, provost and chancellor of the University of Mississippi with regard to special student situations and aberrant student behavior.