Assessment
The Terriers CARE Team will determine the level of risk based on an objective risk rubric, along with additional assessment measures focused on evaluating general risk, mental illness, and/or violence risk.
All good faith reports of alleged or perceived concerning or troubling behavior will be investigated to determine if the behavior poses a risk to the individual, others, or the campus community. After a case has been initiated, the Terriers CARE Team will collect information, determine an appropriate intervention, and follow up with the reporting party or any parties affected, as necessary. Judgments about the relative seriousness of the behavior will be made collectively by the CARE Team, which may have access to additional information not known to the person or department making the initial report.
The CARE Team process shall utilize a fact-based, bias free, approach and rely primarily on an appraisal of behaviors as the basis for determining whether there is a need for intervention. In this approach, all aspects of the person(s) of concern should be considered, and sharing information is critical. The more information available about the person(s) and the concerning behaviors, the more accurate the threat assessment will be.
All University departments and offices are expected to cooperate with members of the CARE Team. After referring an individual to the CARE Team for assessment, the referring University department or office should contact and continue to consult with the team before taking any action toward the individual (e.g., disciplinary action), as such action may trigger or escalate the individual’s behavior. For purposes of accessing student records, members of the CARE Team are University officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the information under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
The Terriers CARE Team uses a collaborative, evidence-informed approach to determine interventions that are proportionate to risk level, realistic for the individual, and effective in reducing harm while promoting well-being.
Response
Response (or intervention) refers to the coordinated actions taken by the Terriers CARE team to address concerning behavior in order to reduce risk, promote safety, and support the well-being of the individuals and the campus community. Interventions are designed to be proportional, respectful, and based on a thorough assessment of the behavior and circumstances involved.
Interventions or responses may include, but are not limited to:
- Outreach to the individual of concern to provide resources and support
- Conducting a wellness check or arranging welfare checks
- Facilitating referrals to mental health, medical, or social services
- Coordinating academic or workplace accommodations
- Developing and implementing a behavioral contract or action plan
- Issuing a no-contact directive or trespass warning if warranted
- Monitoring behavior over time with regular follow-ups
- Providing conflict resolution or mediation services
- Engaging law enforcement or public safety partners for higher-level threats
- Coordinating with Human Resources or Student Conduct for disciplinary processes, if appropriate
Interventions shall balance the individual’s rights and dignity with the university’s obligation to protect community safety, following all applicable laws and university policies.