Behavioral Assessment Team

Why is Behavioral Assessment Necessary?

Macon State College has in place appropriate crisis and emergency response procedures. However, in an era of increasing concern regarding the prevention of campus violence, the Chancellor of the University System of Georgia has directed that each institution develop a plan and select a committee to address potential behavioral concerns.

In response, the College has established a Behavioral Assessment Team. The Team will serve as an additional measure for campus safety by actively addressing behavioral concerns that have the potential to negatively impact the safety and/or well-being of the campus environment.

The Team is a complement to, not a replacement for, the College's existing crisis and emergency response procedures. It will operate in cooperation with existing campus and community resources while exercising due diligence to protect the campus community and the individual. It is critical to understand that even with the best intentions, situations may arise that are unforeseen by any member of the campus community.

What is Behavior of Concern?

Behaviors of concern could be defined as those that the reasonable person would consider to be: disturbing, bizarre, out-of-the-ordinary, out-of-character, inappropriate, disruptive and that may potentially impede the individual's ability or the ability of others to function successfully or safely.

Behavior of Concern includes but is not limited to:

* Suicidal or self injurious thoughts, words, or actions,
* Unusual anxiety, depression, paranoia, elation,
* Unusual desire for isolation,
* Dramatic change in appearance, behavior, circumstances,
* Use of drugs and/ or alcohol,
* Difficulty managing anger,
* Lack of civility, respect for others,
* Acting out and/or disruptive behavior,
* Behavioral violations of the Student Code of Conduct,
* Verbal or written indications of violent fantasy, intentions, past,
* Participation in gang-related activity on campus,
* Recent contact with law enforcement,
* Mental health history related to dangerous behavior,
* Unusual interest in police, military, terrorist activities and materials, previous incidents of violence,
* Fascination with weapons and accoutrements

What to Report and How to Report

It is the responsibility of every member of the College community to provide a proper response to a situation in which an individual or group of individuals is exhibiting behaviors that are considered to be (1.) a life threatening emergency, (2.) a non-life threatening emergency, or (3) behavior of concern.

1. Life Threatening Emergency - As clearly defined in Macon State College Emergency Response procedures, it is the responsibility of students, faculty and staff to participate in crisis management procedures by reporting any life threatening behavior or incident to law enforcement and/or medical personnel by dialing "911." Also call the Macon State College Department of Public Safety.
Department of Public Safety -
Macon - 478-471-2414
WRC - 478-731-9901

For the safety of the campus community, consider any threat, explicit or implied, a statement of intent.

2. Non-Life Threatening Emergency - should be reported to Campus Police.
Department of Public Safety -
Macon - 478-471-2414
WRC - 478-731-9901

3. Behavior of Concern - should be reported to the Behavioral Assessment Team by contacting the Office of Student Affairs speaking directly to a Team member. Any behavioral concerns that have the potential to negatively impact the safety and/or well-being of the campus environment should be reported.
Office of Student Affairs - 478-757-7383

Behavioral Assessment Team Members

Michael Stewart, Assistant Dean of Students,
478-757-7383, michael.stewart@maconstate.edu

Shawn Douglas, Chief of Police,
478-471-2414, shawn.douglas@maconstate.edu

Pella Murphy, Director
Warner Robins Campus, 478-929-6700,

Ann Loyd, Director, Counseling Center
478-471-2985,

Ruth Hagemann, Counselor
478-471-2985,

Dee Lindsey, Director, Student Life
478-471-2710, dee.lindsey@maconstate.edu

James Hagler, Director, Recreation & Wellness
478-471-2778,

Monica Brown , School of Nursing
478-471-2861, monica.brown2@maconstate.edu

Darrell Thompson, School of Nursing
478-471-2984, darrell.thompson@maconstate.edu

Chris Summerlin, Director, Residence Life
478-471-2317, chris.summerlin@maconstate.edu

Keigan Evans, Coordinator, Residence Life
478-471-2317, keigan.evans@maconstate.edu