Published on: June 19, 2025
A NABITA Tip of the Week by W. Scott Lewis, J.D.
The first Tip of the Week in this series explored how the authority to mandate a risk assessment is established and communicated within any educational community. In this second installment, we focus on the steps to take once the need for an assessment has been identified, with strategies specifically designed for higher education environments.
Steps for When an Assessment is Needed (Higher Education)
- Schedule the assessment as soon as possible, preferably on the same day or on the spot. While tools like NABITA’s Structured Interview for Violence Risk Assessment (SIVRA)—to evaluate the risk of harm to others—and NABITA’s Non-Clinical Assessment of Suicide (NAS)—to assess self-harm or suicide risk—typically require just one interview with the subject, some assessments may take longer. For example, it’s common for a psychological assessment to need two to four sessions, depending on the complexity of the situation. While external providers can offer assessments and doing so will make sense in certain contexts, that process must rely on the availability of assessors, which could extend the time and complexity of being assessed and thus may not meet the team’s needs for timely information.
- Provide a written letter that emphasizes that the assessment will occur immediately.
- After the mandated assessment has taken place, allow the student the option of a second opinion or alternate assessment at their own expense.
Consider the Optics
- This is ideally an in-person process. Avoid managing this process via email; instead, hand-deliver a physical letter (when possible) to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and to allow for a general risk assessment during delivery.
- For high-risk individuals requiring a NAS or SIVRA-based assessment, we ideally want to conduct the assessment in person, but it can be done over Zoom if absolutely necessary.
- Teams may want to consider the individual’s age, race, gender, and the behavior that prompted this action when deciding who will deliver the letter or news to the student.
- Being pulled out of class is rarely associated with good news, and should only be done if there is an urgency/emergency. Make it a priority to reassure the student early on that they’re not in trouble and be clear when identifying yourself(ves) and your role(s). However, if there is going to be a disciplinary response, be transparent that it is coming or is possible.
- Ideally, and when possible, have two people deliver the notice, for example, a core BIT member and someone relatable, like someone they may already have a connection to at the school. An advisor, teacher, professor, or coach may be a good person to add. However, it will typically be another member of the core team. For example, when there is a risk of harm to anyone, adding law enforcement or security may be an option to consider; similarly, a counselor or mental health professional may be a suitable professional.
- Be cognizant of the delicacy of this intervention, from whoever is delivering the letter to how they are dressed, to minimize the potential for disruption and/or discomfort.
Consider the Location
- Speak somewhere private, where you are less likely to be seen or overheard. Identify an empty office or classroom in advance, preferably close to where you plan to approach the student.
- Approaching the student before class may be more effective than after, as they might leave early or skip class entirely. If you find the need to intervene in class, it makes sense to arrange with their professor ahead of time to allow them to step out or make up any work that may have been missed.
- For residential colleges and universities, being able to find the student in their residence hall room may be preferred to a more public setting like a classroom.
- For non-residential students, delivering the notice to their off-campus residence is an option, but it is less common. When needed, partner with campus or local law enforcement to do this as they would when performing a welfare check.
- If the individual has an on-campus job, consider going there and using the same strategies you would in class, while also respecting the need for privacy.
Prepare for the Unexpected
What will you do if the student is not in class, at home, or at work? Where’s the next place to look? How quickly can you find them? Remember, this is a situation of elevated risk—it’s serious, so have contingency plans ready.
Be prepared for any reaction. What if the student won’t meet with you, or tries to leave, starts to cry, or yell? What if they have an emotional breakdown or make threats? Think through these situations and be ready for any eventuality.
Be Gentle and Direct
When starting these conversations, it’s essential to be clear and compassionate. Begin with something like, “Hi, my name is Scott, and I’m the Chair of our Behavior Intervention Team. We’re genuinely concerned about you and want to talk with you because [insert reason].”
Explain the situation thoroughly, even if they push back against it. Explain that you may have to refer this to the Conduct Office if they don’t cooperate. Let them know that the Conduct Office can act quickly, and the student could face an interim suspension for failure to comply. Inform them that this intervention is happening because the team is concerned, and it is a serious matter.
Most students won’t ask where your authority comes from, but they will want to know what happens if they don’t comply. Be ready to explain this clearly and gently. Include it in your letter and review it with them in person.
Anticipating these scenarios and practicing your responses is critical. Take the time to rehearse and anticipate various ways the conversation may unfold. NABITA faculty members incorporate role-playing into NABITA’s advanced certification courses, including Non-Clinical Assessment of Suicide (NAS) in Practice and SIVRA in Practice. Please note that these courses have recommended prior learning, so be sure to review it before enrolling.
Do you prefer a tailored approach to training your team? Contact inquiry@tngconsulting.com to develop a customized program tailored to your institution’s specific needs.