Published on: March 2, 2026
A NABITA Tip of the Week by Aaron Austin, Ed.D.
When a traumatic incident impacts an institution of higher education, whether it’s a student death, an act of violence, or a significant safety threat, Behavioral Intervention Teams (BITs) can play an important role in supporting the campus community.
In the aftermath of an incident, institutions must address layered emotional, mental health, and operational challenges that disrupt lives, learning, and work. BITs can help the institution lead with empathy while making grounded, thoughtful decisions.
While prevention and early intervention are core to their mission, BITs also serve as a trusted center for communication, care, and recovery after an incident. Their ability to assess risk, coordinate across departments, and support individuals positions them well as essential partners in restoring a sense of safety, stability, and community trust.
The Critical Role of BITs
This work may include:
- Supporting impacted individuals and groups, including families, close peers, faculty, staff, and student organizations.
- Facilitating debriefings for staff and students to process emotions, clarify facts, and reinforce available resources.
- Identifying and monitoring at-risk populations, such as individuals who were close to the incident or who may be triggered by the event.
- Educating the community by widely sharing information about available support and how to report concerns.
- Documenting lessons learned and updating institutional policies or protocols for future readiness.
The Institutional Response
Transparent, compassionate communication is one of the most powerful tools an institution can employ following a critical incident. BITs can support leadership in crafting messages that acknowledge the far-reaching impacts on community members, balance respect for privacy with the need for accurate information, and clearly communicate available resources and avenues for support.
Supporting Individuals Closest to the Incident
The most immediate impact is often felt by those who were present at the incident and by friends of those involved. Institutions must consider individuals who shared the same residence hall, athletic team, organization, courses, or academic programs.
BITs can lead outreach efforts by connecting with known peers or organizations and facilitating access for emergency contacts or families who may need to retrieve belongings or visit campus. This intentional care not only provides immediate support but may also help to prevent further emotional isolation or risk among vulnerable peers.
Coordinating Campus-Wide Outreach and Resources
Outreach efforts should also include resources for faculty, staff, and community members who may also experience stress and need support. BITs can serve as a central hub for sharing and coordinating interdepartmental support, including:
- Academic Affairs: Providing guidance, support, and messsaging to faculty who may be impacted or have students who are affected.
- Financial and Business Offices: Exploring potential financial considerations or relief options, such as tuition, fees, emergency funds, and loss of income.
- Human Resources: Coordinating and promoting employee support options, including employee assistance programs, debriefing sessions, and leave options.
- Counseling and Mental Health Services: Facilitating counseling availability for individuals and groups or partnering with community providers when internal capacity is limited.
- Community Events: Coordinating vigils, memorials, or group gatherings in collaboration with Student Affairs, counseling services, or faith-based organizations.
Continuing Care Beyond Initial Response
As community needs shift toward healing and growth, BITs remain part of the institution’s transition from emergency response to stabilization and long-term recovery.
BITs may consider convening a post-incident debrief session to evaluate what worked well and where gaps remain. NABITA offers a Critical Incident Debrief Facilitation Guide in the BITKit for Higher Education. The BITKit is included in NABITA Super Memberships or can be purchased at a preferred rate for NABITA Individual and Team members. Pricing options for non-members are available.
BITs can also help to ensure that ongoing counseling, academic adjustments, and peer support groups remain available over time. The key objective of long-term support is to continue serving students, staff, and campus community members who provide care. This continuous learning and care can strengthen both prevention and response going forward.
BITs in Every Step
BITs can help institutions to provide the sustained compassion and collaboration needed in post-incident response. By integrating the BIT into every phase of crisis response (before, during, and after), institutions can foster healing, resilience, and connection. The BIT’s expertise in threat assessment, management, and behavioral intervention can help to ensure that both people and processes are supported.
NABITA Resources
Next week, our Tip of the Week takes a closer look at NABITA’s recommendations for post-incident response in K-12 settings. Stay tuned.
For additional tools and guidance, get certified in NABITA’s Building an Individualized Threat Management Plan, which provides advanced training in long-term risk and threat management.