Student Affairs

If you have a concern and wish to report it, please click on the link below:

Overview

Purpose

Northwest expects and encourages students to demonstrate a reasonable concern for life, health, welfare, safety, and property of every member of the college community. This is particularly true in the areas of self harm and harm to others. In the event that the University is presented with a credible report that a student has harmed herself/himself, others, has a medical concern, or has materially and substantially disrupted the functioning of Northwest Missouri State University, then the University may take appropriate actions.

Reports that are submitted regarding student behavior or concerns are submitted to a panel that represents a cross-disciplinary team of qualified campus professionals. The panel will determine what type of assessment is appropriate, alternative interventions that are appropriative for the situation, or refer the situation for conduct purposes. This panel is referred to as the Behavior Intervention Team (BIT) and they meet weekly to discuss reports and concerns.

Team Members

Member	Department/Office
Dr. Kori Hoffmann	AVP of Student Affairs- Student Engagement and Development (Chair)
Leslie Chandler	Associate Director, Academic Success and Retention
Lt. Amanda Cullin	Interim Chief of University Police
Kristen Peltz, MS, LPC	Assistant Director, Wellness Services-Counseling
Vacant	Student Conduct and Development Coordinator
Kenton Wilcox	Faculty Representative
Vacant	Executive Medical Director

Responsibilities

Receive and track concerning behaviors/reports related to students of concern Determine a course of action to address concerning behaviors to assist students be successful at the University Follow up with referral sources regarding next steps as allowed given the confidential nature of the information Educate and train community members on identifying concerning behaviors, how to address concerns, and how to report concerns.

Student Distress

Recognizing Students in Distress

Stress is a natural part of all our lives and can be especially challenging to students in a university setting. Many students are successful in coping with stress, but some feel overwhelmed.

Unusual behaviors, attendance patterns, appearance, or drastic changes in performance may signal that a student needs our help.

You may choose to approach the student personally and suggest options you have used before and/or strategies other students have found to be helpful. In other cases you may wish to note the issues and report them to the BIT. Whatever you choose, the goal is to get services and support to our students.

Signs of Distress

Change in pattern of interaction
Direct statements indicating distress, family problems, or loss
Angry or hostile outbursts, yelling, or aggressive comments
Changes in physical appearance
Unusual or exaggerated emotional responses
Persistent sadness or unexplained crying
High levels of irritability or inappropriate excitement
Written or artistic expression of unusual violence, morbidity, social isolation, despair, or confusion; essays or papers that focus on suicide or death
Disruptions to class and class management
Frequent or chronic illness
Disorganized speech, rapid or slurred speech, confusion
Threats of harming self or others

Significant changes in academic performance or attendance may also rise to the BIT level- These should be reported through Early Alert to determine if there are other similar reports which may bring the concerns to the BIT level.

Responding to Distress

Depending on your relationship with the student, you can address the situation directly or indirectly:

Directly: You may choose this option if you have a good relationship or rapport with the student. If you choose this option, be sure to:

Talk in private for confidentiality
Remind student you cannot guarantee confidentiality*, some concerns you are required to report
Express what you have observed and why you are concerned
Listen and understand the student’s perspective
Identify resources available to the student
Ask if the student has or has had thoughts of self-harm
Make the appropriate referrals to BIT or other resources
Inform student of your next steps

*Remind students you will only share with those who can help. If the student chooses not to share, report that interaction to BIT.

Indirectly: If you do not feel comfortable addressing the concern with the student, you may contact BIT or University Police to share your concerns.

Behavior Intervention Team