Behavioral Intervention Team

What is the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT)?

The University of Southern Maine’s Behavioral Intervention Team was established as part of our commitment to student success as defined academically, emotionally and physically.  Student life is not always easy.  There are a variety of issues that often hamper a student’s ability to function at their best and not all students are aware of the resources that are available to them on campus or if aware are often reluctant to ask for help.  To exacerbate the problem, communication between faculty and staff within and between departments is occasionally not as effective as it could be which can delay prompt intervention and lead to a decline in the student’s ability to function.  Early interventions with students often interrupt behaviors which are disruptive and/or threatening before they escalate. 

Click here for signs that a student might benefit from BIT assistance.

In an effort to address these issues and identify students of concern more proactively, USM has created a network of experienced and committed professionals from various university departments to serve on the Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT).  The BIT convenes weekly to identify and respond to the needs of individual students that are brought to their attention by faculty, staff or other students.  Together, the BIT develops and implements an action plan that provides students with the greatest chance of success and our community with a level of safety.

This website was created in order to accomplish the following:

• Educate the university community about the BIT and how it works;
• Provide an immediate referral for students/other university community members who are experiencing crisis;
• Explain how to refer a student to the BIT;
• Present community members with information about how to address actual or potential crisis situations;
• Supply additional resources to the university community.

Any questions or concerns may be directed to a member of the BIT.  Click here for information on how to refer a student to BIT.

The University of Southern Maine believes in each student’s unique contribution to university life and the Behavioral Intervention Team seeks to ensure that all students are supported in their efforts to achieve their academic and developmental goals.