Frequently Asked Questions

Mission Statement: the BCT’s mission is a collaborative effort to review and assess incoming referrals for risk of threat and safety of individuals and the larger campus community, using objective, nonclinical assessments, as well as developing action plans and implementing interventions. 

Goals:

1. Provide a safe and supportive environment for members of the university community.
2. Identify, assess, and intervene with students who are struggling or who demonstrate concerning or threatening behavior.
3. Provide support and resources to community members who are concerned for another individual.

Responsibilities:

1. Receiving, coordinating, and assessing referrals received from faculty, staff, students, and others regarding students of concern.
2. Coordinating interventions and resource assistance for individuals of concern.

UMN FERPA Guidelines

No. The focus of the team is on consultation and coordination. If a student needs crisis intervention, they can contact Boynton Mental Health Clinic or Student Counseling Services during business hours or call the 24/7 crisis line at 612-301-4673 or texting ‘UMN’ to 61222.

• If you feel there is an immediate threat to safety, call 911 or 612-624-COPS (2677).
• To make a referral, call 612-626-3030, send an e-mail to [email protected] or complete the Online Referral Form. Please provide basic information about the student, a description of the incident or behaviors that prompted the referral and your contact information.
• Each referral is reviewed by staff in the OSA Care Program.

Often times reporting parties are the best resource for the student because you are familiar with the student. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask if they are okay. In many cases, students will indicate that they could use some help and you can refer them to the Campus Mental Health Resources.

Your first call should be to 911. The BCT may be alerted as a follow up but the team does not provide emergency response services and should not be viewed as such.

Any indication of thoughts of harm to self or others, as well as behavior that is making you or others uncomfortable.

Some examples include:

• Display of unmanaged mental health symptoms
• Missing or unresponsive students
• Concerning written material, class discussion, or emails
• Suicidal ideation and/or plans
• Acts or threats of violence
• Apparent disconnect from reality (e.g. hearing voices, disorganized speech, delusional thinking)
• Struggles related to basic needs (finance, housing, and/or food)

In case where immediate threat or concern is observed, please call UMPD at 624-COPS. If the situation appears life-threatening to anyone involved, please call 911.

The University Police Department has representation on the BCT.

The goal is to get back to you within 24 hours. You will likely hear back sooner. It is helpful for us to know how soon you need to be contacted.

Any person who feels a University of Minnesota Twin Cities student is a threat to themselves and/or the University community can make a BCT referral. Reporting parties may include students, parents, faculty and staff, and other community members.

Whenever possible, you should share your concern(s) directly with the student. However, should you have any concern about your safety or the safety of others, your best course of action is to contact the BCT or in an emergency, UMPD via 911.

Upon receipt of the referral, the BCT will assess risk and engage in appropriate intervention.  The team has protocols in place that allow us to collect information from multiple offices around the University efficiently.  Staff are trained to provide supportive interventions for students,  Sometimes, you will be asked to meet and share resources with the student, given your existing relationship.

You do not have to make this determination; the BCT will consult with you to determine the next best steps. The most critical step is that you report your concern. If another campus resource is more appropriate, the BCT will make that recommendation.

You do not have to make this determination; the BCT will consult with you to determine the next best steps. The most critical step is that you report your concern. If another campus resource is more appropriate, the BCT will make that recommendation.

Every effort is made to keep the BCT process private. That being said, there may be times when it is not possible. Please refrain from promising confidentiality to a student referred to the BCT.

The BCT and its processes are bound by FERPA and handled similar to other student educational records. If it is determined that you have a legitimate educational need to know about the matter, someone will follow up with you.

The OSA Care Program is the best place to start for consultation on a concern. Care Program Staff can provide tips, ideas and resources on how to best approach a situation. Call 612-625-2517 or email [email protected].

Yes, you can. However, identifying yourself is encouraged, as it may help the BCT seek clarification or additional information if needed.

If you are witnessing or experiencing behaviors that do not align with the Board of Regents policy:  Student Conduct Code, please reach out to the Office for Community Standards (OCS). Classroom student conduct issues are addressed through the OCS. They are available for consultation and assistance throughout the process.