Behavior Intervention Team

JCC's Behavior Intervention Team

The JCC Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) is led by the vice president of Student Affairs, and consists of JCC faculty, staff, and administrators in the areas of counseling, campus safety/Title IX, residence life, student conduct, and health/wellness. Members of the BIT are experienced in managing health, behavior, and safety aspects of the college experience and therefore are able to spot patterns and arrange early intervention services as they evaluate behaviors. The team meets to discuss mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, and other incidents occurring on campus. The BIT will then plan and implement intervention strategies to address the reported behaviors/concerns and support the student through a variety of means, including referrals to resources as needed.  

The team is a resource for JCC faculty and staff to report students of concern. Its intent is to provide early support and intervention to students, but not to stigmatize them or enable profiling. In addition, it is meant to assist students to receive needed accommodations and referrals, assist with academic stressors, and increase and enhance opportunities for student success.

In cases where the Student Code of Conduct is not violated, but the behavior may evoke alarm or concern among involved persons, the Behavior Intervention Team is the best reporting mechanism. The team creates an approach that integrates information among offices and takes advantage of the strengths and valuable services that various departments provide.

What you can do to support BIT

You are BIT's best resource because you may be familiar to the student.

BIT Referral Form

If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask if they are ok. In many cases, students will indicate that they could use some help and you can refer them to JCC's Success Center on the Cattaraugus County Campus 716.376.7508, Jamestown Campus 716.338.1065, or North County Center 716.363.6527.

Categories of Behavior Which May Require Attention by the BIT
  • Mental health concerns and crises
  • Erratic behavior (including online activities) that can disrupt the mission and/or normal proceedings of college students, faculty, staff, or others
  • Behavior that is not understood but is concerning or disturbing to others
  • Alcohol and drug use/abuse
  • Self-injurious behavior
  • Suicide ideation or attempt
Examples of Behaviors That Should be Brought to the Attention of the Team
  • A sudden change in student behavior (more emotional than normal, disengaged/withdrawn in class, increased anger/frustration)
  • A student indicates that they have been struggling with their mental/emotional health
  • A student says they have been thinking about hurting themself/suicide
  • A student appears to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
  • A student displays other odd or concerning behaviors
Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I know a student who may need to be referred to the BIT process?

A referral may be initiated by contacting any member of the BIT. Complete a BIT referral form. Please identify the student, the presenting issues, and any available documentation. The BIT may request the complainant attend a meeting or consult via phone. If you feel there is an immediate threat, call 911. You will be asked for basic information about the student, how to contact you (in case the BIT team has follow-up questions) and for a description of the incident or behaviors that prompted the referral.

What happens after I make the referral?

BIT team members evaluate the information and make a decision about whether the student should be assessed/interviewed. Reporting is the most critical step.

What happens to the student in the BIT process?

BIT provides students with confidential, respectful, proactive support, while offering resources and balancing the educational needs of students with the mission of JCC.

How do I know if a concerning behavior is a BIT issue, or is more appropriately handled by other campus resources?

You do not have to make this determination. The most critical step is that you report the concerning behavior by submitting a BIT referral form to a BIT member.