Mineral Area College is concerned about the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.  MAC is committed to providing an environment where individuals are free to work, learn and teach, unencumbered and uninhibited by threats of intimidation or harm.  To this end, the college has established the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).  BIT is responsible for upholding college policies and procedures regarding student behavior. 

Definition of BIT: The Behavioral Intervention Team is a cross-functional assessment group that will respond to students in apparent/potential distress.

Mission Statement:  BIT provides proactive assistance to students who are exhibiting concerning behaviors, both to support students and assist faculty/staff.

Ethics of BIT:  The ethics of BIT are to provide confidential, respectful, and proactive support, while offering resources and balancing the educational needs of students with the mission of Mineral Area College.

Goals of BIT:

-       Review information from faculty, staff, students and/or community members; conduct investigation to determine appropriate response and promote early intervention.  

-       Provide support and response to students displaying varying levels of disruptive, disturbed or distressed behaviors.

-       Centralize collection and assessment of concerning student behaviors. ‘Connect the dots’ regarding problematic actions involving one student that may be known to various faculty, staff and administrators.

-       Coordinate follow-up with students and ensure that services, support and resources are deployed effectively.

-       Utilize a formalized protocol of instructions for communication, coordination and intervention.

-       Balance FERPA, HIPAA and counselor privilege with college need-to-know and emergency communication needs.

-       Coordinate possible referral actions:  psychological assessment, conduct actions, disability services, hospitalization and/or medical leave/withdrawal, as needed.