| Policy Category | Policy Owner | Version Effective Date | Review Cycle | Last Reviewed | Policy Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V. Student Affairs | Chief Learner Experience and Success Officer | April 22, 2026 | Every 5 years | April 22, 2026 | Learner Lifecycle Services |
- Purpose
In accordance with the Maryland Safe to Learn Act of 2018 (SB 1265), University of Maryland Global Campus ("UMGC" or “University”) has adopted this Policy for the establishment of a behavioral intervention team used to address behaviors of concern. - Scope and Applicability
This Policy applies to current UMGC Learners. This Policy provides guidance for identifying and determining the appropriate intervention methods for Learners whose behavior is identified as concerning or posing a threat to their safety and/or others. - Definitions – All capitalized terms shall have the following definitions throughout this Policy and the accompanying Procedures:
- Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT): A multidisciplinary group that identifies, assesses, and supports individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others, with the goal of early intervention and prevention.
- Behavioral triage assessment tool: Used to quickly evaluate a person’s immediate risk and needs.
- Learner: Any person who is registered for a course at the University for the academic period in which the concerning behavior occurred, and, for continuing students, between academic periods, as well as any person who has been admitted to the University and is eligible to register for a course. Any reference to a “Student” will have the same definition as “Learner.”
- Referral: The act of directing an individual to appropriate University or community resources for support or evaluation.
- Risk Assessment: A structured process used to evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of an individual posing a threat to self or others.
- Risk Factors: Behaviors, conditions, or circumstances that increase the likelihood of an individual experiencing harm or engaging in harmful behavior.
- Threat to Others: Any behavior, action, or credible communication – whether verbal, written, electronic, or physical – that reasonably indicates an intent or potential to cause harm, injury or fear to another person or group.
- Threat to Self: Any behavior, action, or credible communication – whether verbal, written, electronic, or physical – that reasonably indicates an intent or significant risk of self-harm, suicide, or other behavior that may seriously endanger an individual’s own health or safety.
- Operational Objectives of THRIVE
UMGC’s Behavioral Intervention Team called THRIVE will:- Assess situations involving UMGC students who pose a potential risk of harm to self, pose a potential risk of harm to others, or demonstrate concerning behavior.
- Consult with administration, faculty, staff, and learners observed and/or impacted by the inappropriate behaviors of a disruptive individual.
- Coordinate University response to a violent, threatening, or significantly disruptive individual.
- Develop appropriate strategies to manage threatening or disruptive behavior to protect the safety and rights of others and to minimize the disruption to the University community.
- Provide resources to support Learners who are struggling in one or more aspects of their lives.
- Make recommendations to responsible University officials on appropriate actions consistent with UMGC Policy and Procedures and with state and Federal laws.
- Procedures
Referrals of concerning behavior will be handled in accordance with Procedures for UMGC Policy on Behavioral Intervention Team (THRIVE). - Related Policies, Procedures, and References