Distressed Students

It is the responsibility of every student to conduct his or her self in a manner fitting an academic environment. Most student behaviors that are exhibited can be handled by faculty and staff at the time of the incident utilizing the student judicial process; however, some incidences may require further documentation and review, or an immediate emergency response. While in most cases, the exercise of good sense and judgment prevail, the College also has established Behavioral Intervention Team Procedures to assist distressed students.

The purpose of the Behavioral Intervention Team is to supplement and support the existing system in determining whether distressed students pose a threat to self or others.  At Delgado, the Behavioral Intervention Team also assists the Office of Student Life staff in determining which course of action should be recommended to assist and support the student in his or her time of distress.

The objectives of the Behavioral Intervention Team Procedures enable and empower the accomplishment of the following goals:

• To balance the educational needs of the student and the College’s mission;
• To intervene early and provide support and response to students who display varying levels of distressed behaviors;
• To respond with support first and sanctions as a last resort;
• To respond with individualized assessment the potential for violent, homicidal and/or suicidal behaviors while avoiding stigmatizing mental health issues and stereotype-based profiling;
• To enable adherence to a formalized protocol of instructions for communication, coordination and intervention;
• To balance FERPA, HIPAA and counselor privileges with the College’s need-to-know and emergency communication needs;
• To centralize the process for collection and assessment of referrals initiated by student behavior and recognize interactional patterns of concern involving one student that may be known to various faculty, staff and administrators;
• To engage faculty and staff in effective response with respect to distressed students;
• To coordinate follow-up to ensure that services, support and resources are deployed effectively; and
• To follow up as appropriate with psychological assessment, conduct actions, disability services, accommodations, hospitalization and withdrawal, as needed, balancing that which is in the best interest of the student and the College.

Distressed students may be referred through the online Student Referral Form or the Office of Student Life at (504) 671-6001.

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