Assessment & Care Team
Assessment & Care Team (ACT)
The assessment and Care Team (ACT) was established by Middle Georgia State University to address behavioral concerns that have the potential to negatively impact the safety and/or well-being of the campus environment. ACT is a complement to, not a replacement for, the University'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.
ACT is dedicated to a proactive, coordinated and planned approach to the early identification, assessment, management, reduction and prevention of behavioral concerns that may impact the safety and well-being of Middle Georgia State University students, faculty, staff and visitors. We do this by providing focused care and support to individual students and their needs by providing resources and services, on and off campus.
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 may include but is not limited to:
- Suicidal or self-injurious thoughts, words, or actions
- Increased anxiety, depression, paranoia, elation
- Increased isolation,
- Dramatic change in appearance, behavior, circumstances
- Suspected drugs and/ or alcohol use or abuse
- Difficulty managing anger emotions
- 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 history
- Participation in gang-related activity on campus
- Report of recent contact with law enforcement
- Unusual interest in police, military, terrorist activities and materials,
- Previous incidents of violence
- Fascination with weaponry
Situations that can negatively impact a student’s safety should also be reported. These situations may include but are not limited to:
- Financial Insecurity
- Food Insecurity
- Housing Insecurity
Any behavioral concerns that have the potential to negatively impact the safety and well-being of the campus environment should be reported. Even when you are in doubt, for the continued safety and well-being of the campus community, you should report.
What/How Do I Make A Report?
It is the responsibility of every member of the University 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:
- A life threatening emergency;
- A non-life threatening emergency; or
- A behavior of concern.
A Life Threatening Emergency - should immediately be reported to law enforcement and/or medical personnel by dialing “911.” Also call MGA University Police at 478-471-2414 and tell the dispatcher your campus location and building. Police officers will escort medical personnel to the location.
For the safety of the campus community, consider any threat, explicit or implied, a statement of intent.
Non-Life Threatening Emergency - should be reported to MGA University Police at 478-471-2414 and the dispatcher should be advised of the situation.
Behavior of Concern - should be reported to the Assessment and Care Team by completing the Behavior Incident Reporting Form.