DEFINITIONS
Threat: An intention, whether expressed or implied, to inflict physical injury or damage on or take hostile action with respect to an individual (oneself or another), a group of individuals, or property, whether the person communicating the threat has the ability to carry out the threat, whether the threat is made on a present, future, or conditional basis, or whether the threat is made in person, through another person, in writing, over the phone, in the mail, electronically, or by any other means.
Threat Management Plan: An active, individualized case management plan based on information gathered in an investigation and on other facts known about the subject(s). It is intended to help de-escalate, contain, or, if possible control a subject who has exhibited behavior(s) classified by the BETA Team as “HIGH (EMERGENCY) Level of Concern” as defined below; to decrease the vulnerabilities of possible targets of such behaviors; to discourage escalation of the circumstances; and to prepare for and mitigate against precipitating events that may trigger such behaviors.
Active Monitoring Plan: An active, individualized case monitoring plan based on information gathered in an investigation and on other facts known about the subject(s). It is intended to facilitate the monitoring of a subject who has exhibited “MODERATE Level of Concern” behavior as defined below and to provide for periodic re-assessment of a subject’s behavior and corresponding potential threat level. Active monitoring may also be used as follow-on to a HIGH (EMERGENCY) Level of Concern threat management plan once a threat has diminished to MODERATE Level of Concern to ensure that behavior is effectively managed.
HIGH (EMERGENCY) Level of Concern: Behavior that appears to pose a clear and immediate threat of violence or self-harm, and requires immediate containment. It requires law enforcement, target protection, and development of a threat management plan. It includes, but is not limited to:
- Possession of unauthorized weapons (guns, knives, etc.) on campus;
- Possession of bombs or bomb-making materials;
- Physical assault or attempted assault, with or without weapons;
- Specific threats to inflict harm to self and/or a named individual (e.g., a threat to shoot a named individual);
- Physical, drug-related, or psychiatric disorders that may pose a potential harm to the physical or emotional well-being of the individual or others;
- Physical actions short of actual contact/injury, but which appear intended to provoke a physical response from the target individual(s) (e.g., moving closer aggressively, waving arms or fists, yelling in an aggressive or threatening manner).
MODERATE Level of Concern: Risk to UAH students, faculty, staff, and visitors appears to be moderate. Violent action is possible, but not probable. Threat is still not entirely realistic in nature. Analysis of threat suggests some thought/action on how to go forward by person of concern, i.e. a specific time and location noted for actions. No clear indication of preparatory steps taken by person of concern. Person of concern may attempt to convey seriousness of situation. It includes, but is not limited to:
- General, specific, or implicit threats, whether or not made in a "joking" manner (e.g., "you better watch your back," "I'll get you," or “you’ll be sorry”), including the use of any electronic means of communication;
- Stalking behavior;
- Vague statements regarding suicide or self-inflicted injury, violent thoughts, or violent intentions.
LOW Level of Concern: Behavior that, while it does not appear to pose a present threat of violence or self-harm or a significant risk of disruption, does provide the basis for a reasonable concern that a threat of violence or self-harm or significant risk of disruption may develop. Threat is vague and indirect in nature. Information within threat is inconsistent, implausible, or lacks detail. Threat is not realistic in nature/presentation. Available information suggests person of concern is unlikely to act violently. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Writing stories, poems, or essays, or producing images that express or otherwise indicate a potentially dangerous fascination or preoccupation with violence to self or to others;
- Displaying a radical change in personal behavior, academic or workplace performance, appearance, or conduct.
No Identified Risk: Behavior that, subsequent to reporting and BETA Team investigation, does not appear to pose a threat of violence or self-harm at this time, nor is significant disruption to the community expected. The BETA Team will close such cases after proper documentation for future reference and trend analysis purposes.
Behavioral Evaluation and Threat Assessment (BETA) Team: a multi-disciplinary assessment team comprised of representatives from Academic Affairs, Dean of Students Office, Housing and Residence Life, College of Nursing, Human Resources, Counseling Services, UAHPD, Office of Risk Management and Compliance, Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion (Title IX), Faculty Senate, and Staff Senate. The BETA Team reviews reports of alarming/concerning behavior and provides early intervention and support to individuals who present behavioral concerns.
Faculty or Staff: Any full or part-time employee of UAH, including, but not limited to, exempt or non-exempt staff, faculty, adjunct faculty, graduate research assistants, graduate teaching assistants, student workers, contract employees, and post-doctoral researchers/teachers/fellows (who have an employment relationship with UAH).
Student: Any individual enrolled at UAH in any of the recognized admission categories (undergraduate, graduate, etc.). An individual’s status as a student shall be deemed to encompass all activities carried out in connection with their application for admission to the University.
Visitor: Individuals who are not currently enrolled as students or employed with UAH (e.g., visitors, retirees, volunteers, former students, former employees, invitees, independent contractors, trespassers, etc.).
Workplace/Educational Setting: Any location, either permanent or temporary, where students, faculty, or staff perform any work-related duty or are involved in educational activities and/or University sanctioned events. This includes, but is not limited to, campus buildings and the surrounding perimeters, including the parking lots, field locations, student housing, and alternate work locations.
