- Students
- Faculty and staff
- Coaches and campus employees
- Parents and family members
- Friends or community members
What is BIT?
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) reviews reports of concerning or potentially harmful behavior within the campus community. The team assesses each situation and coordinates an appropriate, supportive response to promote student well-being and campus safety.
BIT supports students across all 海角视频 campuses, including virtual learners, and centralizes efforts previously managed by campus-specific teams.
Who Should Submit a Referral?
Creating a safe and supportive environment is a shared responsibility. Referrals can be submitted by:
When to Make a Referral
Submit a referral as soon as you notice concerning behavior. Reports can be made 24/7 through the online system.
If there is an immediate threat to safety, call 911.
Examples of Concerning Behavior
Referrals may include, but are not limited to:
- Threats of harm (direct or indirect)
- Aggressive or disruptive behavior
- Self-harm or concerning mental health behaviors
- Bullying or harassment
- Significant changes in behavior, attendance, or performance
- Substance misuse concerns
- Social withdrawal or emotional distress
- Unusual or erratic behavior
What Happens Next?
BIT reviews each report, gathers relevant information, and determines appropriate next steps. Responses may include outreach, referrals to support services, or coordinated intervention.
FAQs
The BIT meets weekly to review referrals and determine the most appropriate response based on the level of concern. Responses may include:
- Offering guidance to the reporter
- Reaching out to the student and connecting them with support services
- Initiating a student conduct process
- Involving campus resources such as counseling or University Police when needed.
Due to confidentiality, specific details about actions taken are not shared; however, the team may follow up with the reporter to acknowledge that the concern has been addressed.
To submit a referral, complete the BIT form for your campus
Provide clear details about the behavior you鈥檝e observed, including frequency, intensity, and duration.
Including your contact information is helpful for follow-up, but you may choose to remain anonymous.
Each campus BIT team is made up of representatives from each of the following offices:
- Dean of Students Staff (Chair)
- Counseling
- Case Manager
- CORE
- University Police
- Housing and Residence Life
- Designee to the VP for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Affairs
BIT Chair Contact Information
California
James Pflugh, Associate Dean for Student Conduct
Office: 311D Natali
Phone: 724-938-5379
Email: pflugh@pennwest.edu
Clarion | Global Online
Matthew Shaffer, Dean of Students
Office: 271 Gemmell
Phone: 814-393-1982
Email: mshaffer@pennwest.edu
Edinboro
Sarah Zerfoss-Calhoun, Assistant Dean for Student Conduct
Office: 265 Gemmell
Phone: 814-393-1918
Email: szerfoss@pennwest.edu