FAQ’s

What should I do if I think my student needs to be referred to the Behavioral Intervention Team?

You are the Behavioral Intervention Team’s best resource because you are familiar to the student. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned. In many cases students will indicate that he/she could use some help. At this point it is appropriate for you to make a referral to the BIT team. Just email, call, or visit with any member of the Team. Even if the student states that he/she does not want help, we still want to hear from you and what your concerns are.

Do I have to be a faculty member to refer someone to the Behavioral Intervention Team?

No. Anyone who feels a student is a threat to themselves and/or the community can make a BIT referral, including students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators and other community members.

What should I do if I think someone is in immediate danger either to themselves or someone else (i.e., potentially suicidal, threatened someone)

If you think that someone is a danger to themselves or others, please call 911 or Public Safety at (973) 761-9300 immediately.

What happens to a student once they have been referred to BIT?

The Team will review all information available about a student, including the insight that you provide. Based upon the collected information, an action plan will be developed. The plan may range from maintaining a confidential file to intervening with the student and conducting a formal threat assessment. The majority of plans connect the student with resources and assistance to address the concerning behavior and to help him/her be successful in the continuation of his/her college career. The plan may change and evolve as additional information becomes available.

How do I know if someone needs to be referred to BIT or to another office on campus?

You do not have to make this determination; the BIT will do it for you! The most important step is that you report any potential issue. If another campus resource is more appropriate, the Behavioral Intervention Team will refer the student and handle the transfer of information.

How will I know what happens after I make the referral?

Due to respect for a student’s privacy, you may not know what happens after the referral. You can be confident that we all share the common goal of helping our students. If you have specific questions, please call the Dean of Students, who is Chair of the BIT Team, at (973) 761-9076.