Behavioral Consultation Team
Have you noticed someone displaying concerning behaviors that have the potential for violence to others or to self-harm? The NU-Q Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT) is a university wide team designed to support the health, safety, and success of the NU-Q community and serves as the central point of contact for receiving community concerns about threatening or concerning behaviors. For further information, please refer to BCT Frequently Asked Questions.
NU-Q community are expected to report concerning or threatening behavior immediately. Community responsibility and engagement in the reporting process enhances campus safety and the ability to effectively respond to situations that may develop into something more serious. Remember: if you see something, say something.
Report a concern requiring immediate attention
All concerns requiring immediate attention (criminal, violent, threatening, or imminent suicidal behavior) should be directed to the NU-Q Security Control Room at 4454 5247, and then followed by a call to the NU-Q BCT at 5584 7532.
Report a non-emergency concern
Non-emergency concerns regarding threatening statements or behaviors can be reported by contacting the NU-Q BCT at 5584 7532 or BCT@qatar.northwestern.edu, or online via the Person of Concern Reporting Form (this form can be submitted anonymously).
Reports are reviewed by the BCT who will conduct an assessment in order to make recommendations to addresses aberrant, dangerous, or threatening behavior, or an individual’s welfare status, that might impact the safety or well-being of the individual of concern and/or the campus community.
FAQ
What is the NU-Q Behavioral Consultation Team (BCT)?
NU-Q Behavioral Consultation Team is an NU-Q team that provides consultation, makes recommendations for action, and coordinates University resources in response to reports of disruptive or concerning behavior displayed by students, faculty, or staff. NU-Evanston has its own BCT.
What should I report to the NU-Q BCT?
NU-Q BCT is designed to be an NU-Q resource to assist in identifying and addressing welfare and concerning behavior before it escalates to something more serious. Experience around the world shows that tragedies affecting university campuses are often preceded by warning signs or concerning patterns of behavior. Early communication and intervention may help to prevent an escalation of the situation to critical levels.
If a member of the NU-Q community (student, faculty, or staff) behaves in a way that is disruptive, causes you concern for their wellbeing, or poses a potential threat to the safety of any aspect of our community, such concerns should be reported to the NU-Q BCT.
Who is on the NU-Q BCT?
NU-Q BCT is a multidisciplinary team composed of individuals from various departments within NU-Q to allow for effective collaboration and coordination of efforts. Its core team members include representatives from: HSSE, Academic Advising, Counseling, Health and Wellness, Student Affairs, and Human Resources. Additional campus representatives may be included on an ad-hoc basis depending on the nature of the referred incident.
How do I report a concern?
Who can make a NU-Q BCT referral?
Anyone who believes that someone at NU-Q is at risk of harming self or others, is exhibiting disruptive or worrisome behaviors, or is otherwise concerned about the wellbeing of a member of the NU-Q community, can make a NU-Q BCT referral. This includes students, faculty, staff, parents, and other community members.
What happens to the information I send to the NU-Q BCT?
NU-Q BCT receives and prioritizes the information, then immediately begins further investigation. You may be contacted for clarification and additional information. Often the initial report is just one piece of the puzzle. A behavior that someone observes can turn out to be an isolated incident and no cause for further concern, or it may be an indication of a larger problem that needs to be addressed. The team attempts to understand the whole of a person's welfare concerns or behavioral patterns before making any recommendations for action.
I am not really sure this is a big deal. Will the person get in trouble?
NU-Q BCT attempts to resolve situations before someone "gets in trouble." The goal is to promote the safety of the individual and University through early intervention. Something that may appear to be a minor incident to you may be part of a larger pattern unknown to you. Therefore, early and effective communication among departments and individuals is crucial to identifying problems before they get bigger. If you are unsure about whether or not you should say something, reach out to any member of the BCT. If you are having concerns about an individual, your observations are valuable to the BCT.
What if I am wrong about the person?
You are reporting a concern based on an observed behavior (e.g. verbal exchange, hostile interaction, etc.) not making a determination or judgment about the individual. There is no expectation that reporters make judgments about whether their observations are "right" or "wrong." Let the NU-Q BCT weigh all the information available, gather further data if warranted and determine the best course of action.
Will the person I refer be able to know that I sent the form? Can I report
Anonymous referrals are accepted but discouraged. Identifying yourself assists the NU-Q BCT if clarification or additional information is needed. Submitting your name also gives the referral more credibility. The NU-Q BCT will attempt to handle all matters discreetly. We cannot guarantee that the person(s) involved will not be able to determine the source of the report. If this concerns you, please speak directly with the BCT team member.
NU-Q does not permit retaliation against any individual who reports a concerning or troubling behavior in good faith.
Will I find out what happens?
That depends on the situation. Various privacy and confidentiality laws apply to situations handled by the NU-Q BCT. A member of the team may follow up with the person making the referral when appropriate.
As a faculty or staff member, am I prohibited from disclosing student information to the BCT by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?
What authority does the NU-Q BCT have and what can it do?
NU-Q BCT can engage in the following activities:
- coordinate and share information with departments that may take actions when there is an imminent threat of harm to self or others;
- assist faculty or staff in developing a plan of action;
- provide information and assist in referrals to campus resources;
- offer recommendations to manage welfare concerns and potential harmful or disruptive behavior;
- communicate as needed with Qatar Foundation;
- provide emergency notification to others; and
- continue monitoring the situation without immediate action.
NU-Q BCT does not enact sanctions or administer policy regarding referrals.