Mission:

BIT provides proactive assessment and intervention to individuals who are exhibiting concerning behaviors, both to support students and assist faculty/staff.

The purpose of the Modesto Junior College Behavioral Intervention Team (B.I.T.) is to evaluate and address student behavior that may be inappropriate or concerning, and to coordinate the resources of the College to intervene and provide necessary supports.

BIT Tips:

Level 1

• Changes in academic performance in the classroom
• Significant drop in examination scores
• Change in pattern of interaction (withdrawn, angry, defensive)
• Changes in physical appearance (hygiene, attire, injuries)
• Problems concentrating and 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 or Health Services

Level 2

• New or regularly occurring behavior which pushes the limits may interfere with class management or be disruptive to other students, faculty or staff
• Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
• High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement

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
• Make a BIT referral

Level 3

• Highly disturbed behavior
• Outbursts of anger
• Inability to communicate clearly
• Irrational conversation or speech that seems disconnected
• Loss of contact with reality (seeing/hearing things that are not there, beliefs or actions at odds with reality)
• Suspiciousness, irrational feelings of persecution
• Statements related to death or dying or feelings of hopelessness
• Threats of harming self or harming others

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
• Make a BIT referral