BART

(Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team)

Identifying, Assessing, and Reducing Threats in Order to Foster a

Safe Campus Environment

Why is Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Necessary?

In the post Virginia Tech shooting era, colleges and universities around the country are becoming more diligent and proactive in providing a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors to their campuses. State and federal legislation is being enacted and amended to allow local authorities and university employees the ability to communicate vital information concerning possible threats. Changes in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) will give administrators “appropriate flexibility and deference” with regard to the disclosure of educational records and information (Federal Register, 2008).

Columbus State University understands the climate that exists on college campuses.  Additionally, each public institution in Georgia has been directed by the Chancellor’s office to develop a plan and select a committee to address potential threats of this nature. In response, Columbus State University has established the Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team (BART) to serve as an additional measure for campus safety. That having been stated, it must be understood that even with the best intentions, situations may arise that are unforeseen by any member of the university community. BART will operate in some instances with very limited information while exercising due diligence to protect the university, community and the individual.

TO REVIEW THE COMPLETE BART DOCUMENT, CLICK HERE

BART Mission Statement

The Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team is dedicated to a proactive, coordinated and planned approach to the identification, prevention, assessment, management, and reduction of interpersonal and behavioral threats to the safety and wellbeing of Columbus State University students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

BART Goals

• Provide a safe physical environment for members of the university community
• Provide a safe emotional environment for the university community
• Promote peace of mind for friends and family of the university community

Campus Members Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of faculty, staff, and students to immediately report any situation that could possibly result in harm to anyone at the university.  These reports may be directed to the Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team or the Counseling Center depending on the nature of the concern. However, when there is an active or immediate risk of violence to self or others the University Police should be contacted at 706-568-2022.

Report to BART Behaviors Such As:

• Violent fantasy content
• Anger problems
• Fascination with weapons and accoutrements
• Homicidal ideation
• Stalking
• Non-compliance or disciplinary matters
• Interest in previous shooting situations
• Victim/martyr self-concept
• Strangeness and aberrant behavior
• Paranoia
• Violence and cruelty
• Acting out
• Recent police contact
• Mental health history related to dangerousness
• Unusual interest in police, military, terrorist activities and materials

Report to Counseling Center Student Behaviors Such As:

• Anxious, depressed or overwhelmed
• Prolonged and significant difficulty with the demands of college
• Test, math, or writing anxiety
• Pattern of relationship problems
• Speaking or writing that seems bizarre
• Loner
• Expressionless face / anhedonia
• Use of drugs and / or alcohol
• Suicidal ideation

*Note: If an employee of CSU exhibits these behaviors, a report should be submitted to BART.

How Do I Submit a Report?

When submitting a written report to the Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Reporting System you should:

1.) Log into Cougarnet
2.) Select the Faculty, Staff or Student Tab.     
3.) Click on the BART ICON.
4.) Enter your Cougarnet User Name and Password
5.) If you are a first time user, BART will ask you to create an account.
6.) Click on the BART "Submit Request" ICON.
7.) Fill out the form.
8.) Click "Save".

When submitting a verbal report to the Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team (BART) you should:

1. Select a member of the Behavioral Assessment and Recommendation Team from the names listed in this brochure
2. Call the BART member and tell them what you observed or heard from another, explaining why this concerns you

When submitting a report to the Counseling Center you should:

1. Call the Counseling Center at      706-568-2233, or
2. Submit a “Referral Form” at: http://counsel.colstate.edu/information.asp
   

BART Membership

Chip Reese, Dean of Students
Main Campus:                706-568-2034

Rus Drew, Chief
CSU Police:                     706-568-2022

Dan Rose, Director
Counseling Center:        706-568-2233

Cheryl Yatsko, Psychologist
Counseling Center:        706-568-2233

Dana Larkin, Asst. Dean of Students 
RiverPark Campus:         706-507-8333

Laurie Jones, Director
Human Resources:           706-568-2005

Becky Tew, Director
Health Center:                   706-568-2039

Dorinda Dowis, Chair
Criminal Justice:               706-568-2057

Todd Myrick, Director
Residence Life:                  706-568-2026

Robin Peacock, Housing Manager
RiverPark Campus:           706-507-8035

Susan Lovell, Director
Enrollment Management:706-507-8806

Mark Schmidt, Faculty Senate Rep
Associate Professor:          706-565-3573

Joy Norman, Coordinator
Disability Services:           706-565-3628

After Hours

Columbus State Police:              706-568-2022

CLICK HERE FOR FULL BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION DOCUMENT  

Division of Student Affairs
4225 University Avenue
Columbus, Georgia 31907
706-568-2033