UPPS 07.10.05 - Student Behavior Assessment Team

POLICY STATEMENT

Texas State University is committed to promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.

1. SCOPE

   1. The Student Behavior Assessment Team (Team) consults with Texas State University administration, faculty, and staff who express concern about the behavior of a student who may be disruptive to the academic mission of the university or a danger to themselves or others; enhances communication; and initiates appropriate responses to specific behavioral concerns that may involve threats to the safety and security of the university community.

   2. This policy outlines procedures for the Team to assess and consult with university faculty and staff.

   3. At the beginning of each fall and spring semester, the associate vice president for Student Success and Dean of Students will send a notice to the university community notifying them of the availability of the HERE TO HELP submission form and the Team.

2. TEAM COMPOSITION

   1. The Team will report to the vice president for Student Success.

   2. The Team will be convened by the associate vice president for Student Success and Dean of Students. The core members will include:

      1. associate vice president for Student Success and Dean of Students;

      2. assistant dean of students and coordinator of Student Conduct and Community Standards;

      3. associate Dean of Students for the CARE Center;

      4. director of the Counseling Center;

      5. chief of the University Police Department (UPD);

      6. director of the Office of Disability Services;

      7. director of the Student Health Center;

      8. Academic Affairs representative appointed by the provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs;

      9. assistant vice president and executive director of the Department of Housing and Residential Life; and

      10. director of the department of Student Success and Academic Services at the Round Rock campus.

   3. Each core member will have a designated representative to serve in their absence.

   4. The Team will consult with The Texas State University System (TSUS) Office of the General Counsel, as needed, particularly in situations where there are legal issues and concerns.

   5. Other university employees may be asked to serve on the Team, as needed.

3. PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CONCERNS ABOUT STUDENT BEHAVIORS

   1. Anyone can report concerns about student behavior that may be disruptive to university operations or may involve threats of harm to self and/or to the safety and security of the university community. These behaviors may include, but are not limited to:

      1. threatening verbal or written conduct;

      2. behaviorally disruptive or concerning conduct;

      3. hostile, aggressive, or abusive behavior;

      4. preoccupation with weapons, killing, or death; or

      5. observed or reported concerning behaviors including anger, self-harm thoughts of persecution, rejection, or hopelessness.

   2. Individuals should contact UPD at 911 if imminent and immediate danger exists or if a criminal act has occurred.

   3. Individuals can report a concern using the online form HERE TO HELP. Alternatively, individuals can contact the following to report a concern:

      1. Office of the Dean of Students at 512.245.2124; or

      2. any member of the Student Behavior Assessment Team.

4. CASE INFORMATION AND CONFIDENTIALITY PROCEDURES

   1. Information related to cases will be handled in accordance with applicable legal and professional standards of privacy and confidentiality.

   2. If the student involved in harmful, threatening, or disruptive conduct is already a client of the Counseling Center, a patient of the Student Health Center, or a student registered with the Office of Disability Services, information about that student’s relationship may only be obtained by the Student Behavior Assessment Team from those departments with written authorization of the student in question or in accordance with federal and state law.

   3. To the extent that any documents are created, generated, or maintained by the Student Behavior Assessment Team for its consultation purposes, such documents are confidential, as permitted by law. Such documents will be maintained per Texas State’s records retention policy.

5. REVIEWERS OF THIS UPPS

   1. Reviewers of this UPPS include the following:

      Position	Date
      Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students	April 1 E4Y
      Director, Counseling Center	April 1 E4Y
      Chief, University Police Department	April 1 E4Y
      Assistant Vice President and Executive Director, Department of Housing and Residential Life	April 1 E4Y
      Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs	April 1 E4Y

6. CERTIFICATION STATEMENT

   This UPPS has been approved by the following individuals in their official capacities and represents Texas State policy and procedures from the date of this document until superseded.

   Associate Vice President for Student Success and Dean of Students; senior reviewer of this UPPS

   Vice President for Student Success

   President