Questions about this policy should be directed to the Office of the Dean of Students at 765-285-1545.

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Responsibility

In the event that the University is presented with a credible report that a student has threatened or attempted harm to self or others, engaged in efforts to prepare for harm to self or others, or expressed a preoccupation with harm to self or others, that student will be required to meet with a Behavioral Intervention Team Member or designee. The purpose of that meeting will be to review the report and determine a course of action to support the health and safety of the student and Ball State community.

Response Protocol

Ball State operates with a risk assessment protocol, the primary goals of which are to:

  • assist in responding to at-risk students;
  • provide students the care/intervention needed to effectively and safely manage their risk;
  • and support student success in the campus learning/living environment

The protocol includes procedures for responding to community disruption, including but not limited to self-harm threats, attempts, and ideation, as well as guidelines for when and how to contact a student’s family and/or friends during an emergency.

Immediate Response Protocol

In cases where a student is not responsive, students and University employees shall upon notice call 911 immediately.

In cases where a student has attempted harm to self or others (e.g., interrupted suicide attempts, rehearsal of suicide, threats of violence to others), students and University employees shall upon notice call 911 for EMS/police response.

Risk Assessment Protocol

In cases where a student exhibits less imminent or less urgent behavior, students should notify a University employee. University employees shall assess the situation and take appropriate action. Appropriate action will at a minimum include submitting a Person of Concern report and may include calling 911 for EMS/police response, or contacting the Counseling Center or Office of the Dean of Students for guidance.

The remaining protocol consists, at a minimum, of a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team reviewing the report and determining a course of action to support the health and safety of the student and Ball State community. This may include a meeting with the student to seek additional information. If a risk assessment is deemed necessary, students may use the Ball State Counseling Center to conduct such an assessment.

Contact with Family

The Dean of Students or designee is authorized to contact designated emergency contacts or family members directly on behalf of the University in cases involving student death, serious health and safety concerns, and/or hospitalization. Faculty and other employees should not contact family members directly on behalf of the University in these cases.

This policy was last reviewed/modified July 2020.