BIRT FAQ

The BIRT is a group of faculty and staff that reviews reports of incidents or observations to provide a systematic response to students or employees whose behavior on campus may be disruptive or harmful to themselves or the campus community. The team recommends appropriate intervention strategies to connect the student or employee with campus and/or community resources, or for referral to other potential outcomes.

The BIRT is not a crisis response/management team. For immediate assistance in a life-threatening situation, dial 911 first, then notify RCC’s Campus Security at 336-342-4261, extension 2299.

The BIRT does not manage faculty classroom management issues, but may be able to assist faculty with support and/or resources.

While the BIRT may be able to make threat assessments, the goal is to help students or employees to receive support and guidance before there is a greater threat.

The BIRT is separate from campus conduct and disciplinary procedures, although the BIRT may recommend the disciplinary process if deemed appropriate.

If you think that someone is in danger to themselves or others, please call 911 or RCC’s Campus Security at 336-342-4261, extension 2299.

In general report any behavior that raises concern for the well-being of a student or employee. There are three categories of behavior that are of utmost concern to the BIRT:

• Self-injurious behavior (suicidal ideation/attempt, cutting behavior, dangerous alcohol/substance abuse consumption);
• Disruptive behavior that violates campus community safety (such as disruptions of the normal activities of a classroom setting, homicidal threats, stalking, assault, cyber bullying, carrying weapons);
• Unusual behaviors (such as noticeably changes in personality, depressive symptoms, shifts in mood, unexplained irritability and/or lethargy, expressions of hopelessness).

Examples of other potentially reportable behaviors are shown on the BIRT web page.

Once an incident is reported to the BIRT, members of the team determine the appropriate steps to address the situation. This process is based on the severity of the concern, the ability of the person in question to engage in the resolution, and the situation itself.

It’s often a mistake to assume that disruptive behavior will stop on its own. It is preferable to document and respond to small incidents sooner than later. You are registering a concern based on an observed behavior; you are not making a determination. Let the BIRT evaluate the information and see if a further investigation is needed, and the team will make the determination.

Anyone can report a concern about an individual. In other words, all students and employees may submit a concern.

Report an incident in one of two ways:
• Complete the online Concern Form.
• Make a report directly through email or phone message to a member of the Behavioral Intervention Resource Team.

We encourage you to identify yourself to assist the BIRT if clarification or further information is needed. Submitting your name also gives your report more credibility. Regardless of the reporting party’s anonymity, all reports will be evaluated and investigated to assist the individual and ensure the safety of the campus community.

The BIRT will attempt to handle all matters discretely. A reported individual will be given specific information about the actions/behaviors that were observed so that they can respond to the specific concern. There, it is possible that an individual may know who made the report through the circumstances reported to him or her.

The BIRT will address every report that is submitted to the committee. Interventions by BIRT members typically involve handling of confidential information, so those filing reports will not necessarily know the details of resolution of a situation. However, the chairperson of the BIRT will notify each person submitting a report when the situation has been resolved or address, but without providing full details.

The team will review all information about the individual, including the insights provided in the report. Based upon all collected information, an action plan will be developed. For example: A plan may range from maintaining a confidential file to intervening with the person and conducting a formal threat assessment. It’s likely that most situations will involve connecting the reported individual with college or community resources to help him or her be successful in their studies or work. The plan may change as additional information is made available.

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) provides students’ rights of access to their education records and insures that such records will not be disclosed to others without their prior written consent.

Recently enacted FERPA changes give college officials greater flexibility in releasing student information in the case of a health and safety emergency. With such cases, FERPA permits the sharing of information among college officials. Since the BIRT is responsible for identifying, responding to, and supporting persons at risk, please be advised that health and safety emergencies may require disclosure of student education records to protect the health or safety of the campus community.

You are welcome to contact any of the team members listed elsewhere on the BIRT web page.