What is a challenge you face doing BIT work?
A challenge is always the concern that the individual BIT is attempting to assist will accept the resources with which the BIT is reaching out.
What is a successful achievement you have had doing BIT work?
I created the first formalized BIT team for the Prescott Campus.
Why did you become a member of NABITA?
NABITA is the higher education leader when it comes to the care and safety of our students (and campuses).
How has having a BIT/CARE team improved the experience of students, staff, and faculty at your institution?
Having a BIT/CARE team on campus provides an additional level of safety and security outside of the traditional law/security agency. Members of BIT/CARE receive training to manage behaviors/concerns that a student may be exhibiting or engaging in. BIT/CARE teams provide an additional pulse point for the campus.
How has NABITA helped you to be a better professional?
NABITA has provided me the training and confidence to handle (what used to be) uncommon concerns of students that higher education professionals really didn’t get taught in college.
What is one way you practice self-care doing such intense work?
I am able to debrief with colleagues, which is priceless! I also engage in riding my Harley which provides a sense of ‘being one with the road’. This allows me to focus on me and let everything else go.
What is one piece of advice you would offer your fellow practitioners?
Listen to your gut and don’t be afraid to share your opinion in the BIT/CARE meetings. You were placed on the team for a reason, which means your voice is valued.
How has having a BIT/CARE team improved the experience of students, staff, and faculty at your institution?
We have been able to reach out to students and better assist them with challenges they were dealing with but didn’t know how to reach out for help. Since bringing BIT to campus in a formalized way, faculty and staff have made numerous referrals and provided feedback that they ‘feel better’ knowing that BIT is active.
Click here to apply for your chance to be featured in NABITA’s upcoming Member Spotlights! Not a Member? Join here.