Mission:

The Modesto Junior College Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) engages in proactive and collaborative approaches to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with students, faculty/staff, and visitors exhibiting concerning behaviors or thoughts. By collaborating with members of the community, BIT strives to promote individual student, faculty, and staff well-being and success while prioritizing community safety.

BIT Reporting Levels:

FYI

  • Significant changes in academic performance in the classroom
  • Issues adjusting to college
  • Change in pattern of interaction (withdrawn, angry, defensive)
  • Changes in physical appearance (hygiene, attire, injuries)
  • Problems concentrating/remembering things or making decisions

What to Do

  • Talk to the student in private when you both have time
  • Express your concern in non-judgmental terms
  • Make a “FYI” BIT referral
  • Suggest the student visit Academic Counseling

Normal

  • Behavior which may interfere with class management or be disruptive
  • High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement
  • Feelings of anxiety, depression, or negative self talk
  • Lack of sleep or decreased energy
  • Difficulty dealing with separation, divorce, death or other relationship issues

What to Do

  • Talk to the student in private when you both have time
  • Express your concern in non-judgmental terms
  • Identify options available to the student
  • Respect the student’s value system
  • Ask if the student is considering suicide
  • Suggest the student visit Academic Counseling or Health Services
  • Calling Campus Safety is encouraged (209) 575-6351
  • Make a BIT referral

Critical

  • Outbursts of anger
  • Overwhelming feelings of anxiety, depression or hopelessness
  • Inability to communicate clearly
  • Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
  • Suspiciousness or irrational feelings of persecution
  • Thoughts of harming self or harming others
  • Substance abuse

What to Do

  • Stay calm and don’t challenge the students perceptions
  • Find someone to stay with the student if possible
  • Call Campus Safety (209) 575-6351 as needed
  • Make a BIT referral