CIRT: Critical Incident Response Team

The Kansas State University Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) assesses and coordinates the response to significant campus situations and events on or around the Manhattan campus involving students. The CIRT assists the community and its members to return to a more normal state of functioning and suggests future preventative measures.

These events may include:

significant trauma
serious student situations involving medical or psychological concerns
campus threats or emergencies that directly affect the well-being of students and the campus community

Issues of inappropriate student conduct are referred to Student Support & Accountability and the Student Judicial Program.

CIRT reports to the Dean of Students.

Method of Operation - Crisis or Threat

An immediate crisis or threat should be reported as soon as possible to law enforcement (call 9-1-1), including the K-State Police (785-532-6412). Following notification of law enforcement, a crisis or threat involving a K-State student should be reported to Student Support & Accountability or the Dean of Students. Reports may be filed through the Threat Management Reporting form.

For non-emergency situations, faculty, staff, and other individuals may use the Student of Concern referral form regarding concerns about a student.

Step 1: Notified of a crisis or threat involving a K-State Student

Step 2: The CIRT chair initiates the CIRT process

The CIRT chair works with the appropriate offices to confirm the status of the individual as a student, employee, or visitor then gathers necessary information regarding the incident, coordinates with Threat Management Chair, and then may convene the CIRT. The Dean of Students is also notified. If the situation warrants, a CIRT member may proceed immediately to the site of the incident or to the hospital.

If warranted, the CIRT chair may call an emergency meeting of the CIRT. The decision to have an emergency meeting is determined by the chair.

Student Access Center (SAC) will be contacted to determine if the student is registered; if registered, SAC staff may attend.

The CIRT works with the Division of Communications and Marketing and the Dean of Students to coordinate any press releases or contact with the media regarding a crisis.

Step 3: The CIRT Meets

Statement of Confidentiality read
Assesses the reported incident(s)
Shares and gathers additional information
Plans a response
CIRT members coordinate various services and OSL maintains documentation of actions taken

In the event the CIRT believes that it may be necessary to meet with an individual pursuant to the Threat Management Policy (PPM 3015), the following procedures will be followed:

1. The CIRT chair and at least one other administrator will use reasonable efforts to communicate with the student as soon as practicable, giving the student an opportunity to respond regarding the alleged conduct.

2. The CIRT chair will document the student's response regarding the alleged conduct. If the student does not respond, the CIRT chair will document the efforts made to obtain the student's response.

3. If, based on the information available, the CIRT chair determines a violation of PPM 3015 has occurred and risk mitigation measures are needed, the student will be notified in writing as soon as possible. In cases not involving suspension or expulsion, the decision of the CIRT chair is the final decision of the University.

4. A student wishing to appeal the CIRT chair's determination for suspension or expulsion, must do so by notifying the Dean of Students in writing within three (3) calendar days of receiving the determination. During the pendency of the appeal, the student and the University must follow the CIRT chair's determination, including any restrictions on the student's being on campus. The Dean of Students will schedule a meeting to discuss the appeal as soon as practicable. At the meeting, the student may present the written and/or oral basis for the student's appeal. Persons present at the meeting are limited to the student, one non-attorney

representative for the student, one attorney representative for the student, the CIRT chair, the Dean of Students, and a University police or security officer. If the student brings an attorney representative, a member of the Office of General Counsel will also be present. Representatives and attorneys (including the Office of General Counsel) are not permitted to participate in the meeting, other than to consult privately with the person they are accompanying. The Dean of Students will determine any other procedures, as circumstances may require. Within seven (7) calendar days after the meeting, the Dean of Students will issue a written decision affirming, overturning, or modifying the CIRT chair's decision. The Dean of Students' decision is the final decision of the University.

University suspension and expulsion shall be made part of the student’s permanent academic record. All other measures shall become a part of the student’s confidential record.

5. Nothing in this procedure shall prohibit the University from taking action to alleviate a perceived immediate threat.

Step 4: Family & K-State community support

Step 5: Post-event procedures

Confidentiality

CIRT members, as administrative agents in an educational institution, adhere to the laws and standards governing the disclosure of information to third parties both within and external to the University. Such information is disclosed only on an administrative need-to-know basis and only according to the relevant statutes that govern such disclosure.

Withdrawal from the University for Seriously Disruptive Behavior

When a student engages in behavior that violates the K-State Student Code of Conduct, it should be channeled through the K-State Student Judicial Program or the Honor and Integrity System, as appropriate. However, sometimes a student engages in seriously disruptive behavior that requires swift intervention. “Seriously disruptive behavior” is defined as behavior that is disruptive to the maintenance of the academic environment, destructive to University property, or constitutes a threat to the well being of the student or others. In such cases, the procedures outlined below should be followed.

I. Responses to Seriously Disruptive Behavior

A. When a student has voiced intent and/or exhibits behaviors that require immediate intervention (e.g. active suicidal threat or behavior, active homicidal threat or behavior, etc.), these steps should be taken:

1. The concerned party will notify the K-State university police to assure safety and to initiate appropriate action.

2. The K-State police will notify the Office of Student Support & Accountability.

3. Student Support & Accountability will evaluate and determine the appropriate response(s), including but not limited to:

a. Referral to the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs for immediate disposition

b. Referral to the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

c. Referral to Administrative Review

d. Referral to Student Judicial Program

B. When a student evidences behaviors that are seriously disruptive, but not of immediate risk of harm to self or others, these steps should be followed:

1. The concerned party will notify Student Support & Accountability.

2. The Director of Student Support & Accountability, in the interests of timing and sensitivity to the immediate needs of all parties, will evaluate and determine the appropriate response, including but not limited to:

a. Referral to the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs for immediate disposition

b. Referral to the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)

c. Referral to Administrative Review

d. Referral to Student Judicial Program

e. Referral to Honor and Integrity System

If, while evaluating the situation, the Director of Student Support & Accountability or the CIRT suspects that the seriously disruptive behavior may be related to a diagnosable mental disorder or other condition, the following steps should be taken:

II. Voluntary Withdrawal from the University

A. The matter will be referred to the Director of Student Support & Accountability or designee.

B. The Director of Student Support & Accountability or designee will counsel with the student and/or his/her parent(s), guardian(s), and/or spouse/partner to explore possible reasonable accommodations that would eliminate or sufficiently reduce the disruption, to explore a voluntary withdrawal of the student, and to facilitate referral to appropriate community resources (e.g.: treatment and counseling resources).

C. Upon voluntary withdrawal because of behavior concurrent with a diagnosed mental disorder, the University will provide conditions and requirements necessary for reinstatement.

D. Steps should be taken to minimize potential financial and academic loss.

III. Involuntary Withdrawal from the University

A student who does not withdraw under conditions described in Section II may be considered for involuntary withdrawal (as opposed to dismissal pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct) if the seriously disruptive behavior may be related to a diagnosable mental disorder or other condition. In this case, the following procedure should be followed:

A. The Director of Student Support & Accountability may refer the student for evaluation to a mutually agreed upon off-campus licensed psychologist or psychiatrist to determine the effect of the mental health issue on the behavior, and the prognosis for continuation of such disruptive behavior.

1. The cost of this evaluation may be borne by the University.

2. The student will be informed of this mandatory referral for evaluation in writing and will also be provided with a copy of this policy.

3. The Director of Student Support & Accountability or designee may require a suspension pending the results of this evaluation.

4. The evaluation should be completed within ten (10) University business days from the date of receipt of the referral letter.

5. The student will sign a release permitting all relevant information to be provided to the Director of Student Support & Accountability or designee.

6. The results of the evaluation will be sent to the Director of Student Support & Accountability or designee.

B. Should the evaluation result in a determination that there is no apparent threat to the safety of self or others, no inability to satisfy personal needs that might lead to serious physical circumstances or death within a short period of time, and no apparent threat to property, to the lawful activities of others, or to the educational processes and orderly operations of the University, further procedures under this policy may cease. The Director of Student Support & Accountability or designee may determine that no further action under this under this policy is necessary, and may refer the matter for action under another University policy.

C. If either of the above determinations is based on the student’s continued compliance with treatment, the student will be required to meet with the Director of Student Support & Accountability and other members of CIRT, if necessary, to develop an administrative resolution with behavioral expectations.

D. Should the evaluation result in the determination by the Director of Student Support & Accountability that it is in the best interest of the student and/or the University community that the student be involuntarily withdrawn from the University, the student shall be informed in writing of this determination and of the student’s right to an appeal under section IV below. If the student does not file a timely appeal, the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee will issue a letter to the student of the final decision based on the Director of Student Support & Accountability's determination.

E. The University may permit the student to withdraw voluntarily at any time prior to the conclusion of the involuntary withdrawal process.

F. If the student is unable or unwilling to cooperate in the mandatory evaluation process, the University will make its decision based on the best available information.

G. Where the University seeks to involuntarily withdraw the student who is a qualified individual with a disability on the basis that the student poses a “direct threat” within the meaning of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the University will make an individualized assessment as follows:

1. The direct threat analysis and determination will be based on an individualized assessment that relies on current medical evidence, or on the best available objective evidence, to assess: (1) the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; (2) the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and, (3) whether reasonable modifications of the University’s policies, practices, or procedures, or the provision of auxiliary aids and services, will mitigate the risk. If necessary, the University will consult with individuals with in-depth knowledge and experience in the area of the student’s disability as part of the direct threat determination. The conclusion that a direct threat will not be based solely on speculation about future risk.

2. Where safety is of immediate concern, the University may set interim conditions on the student while completing the assessment. The University will give the student notice of the University’s actions and will provide minimal due process.

3. If the University determines that a student pose a direct threat to others, the University may condition the student’s future receipt of a benefit or service upon the student’s provision of documentation showing that the student is no longer a threat. Such evidence may include, but not be limited to, a treatment plan or periodic reports from a physician. The University will not, however, condition the provision of a benefit or service upon a showing by a student that he or she has eliminated behaviors that are a manifestation of a disability, unless such behavior significantly contributed to the direct threat.

4. The Dean of Academic Success and Student Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School may deny or rescind admission or suspend or dismiss a student who is determined to be a direct threat to the health or safety of others. The Dean of Academic Success and Student Affairs or Dean of the Graduate School will inform the student of the determination and provide a copy of this policy and explain the appeal procedures.

Appeal

A student may request a hearing before the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee to appeal the determination by the Director of Student Support & Accountability that the student be involuntarily withdrawn. If the student wishes to appeal the Director of Student Success & Accountability’s determination, the following provisions will apply:

A. The student must submit a written request to the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee or designee within three (3) University business days from the date of receipt of the Director's determination letter.

1. The hearing date will normally be set within seven (7) University business days following the request.

2. Pending completion of the hearing, the student is subject to interim involuntary suspension, but may be allowed to be on the campus to attend the hearing or for other necessary purposes, as authorized in writing in advance by the Vice President of Student Success and Student Affairs or designee or designee.

B. The student will be requested to authorize the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee or designee and other hearing participants to have access to relevant materials deemed necessary for the hearing process. If the student refuses to grant access to the records for the parties involved, the hearing will proceed without the requested information.

C. The student shall be informed in writing of the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee or designee’s decision and reasons for that decision, as soon as practical following the hearing. The decision of the Vice President of Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee or designee is effective upon being conveyed to the student and is final.

V. University action after an involuntary withdrawal because of behavior concurrent with a diagnosed mental disorder

A. Upon involuntary withdrawal because of behavior concurrent with a diagnosed mental disorder, the University will provide conditions and requirements necessary for reinstatement.

B. Reasonable efforts should be made to refer the student for appropriate mental health services.

C. Reasonable steps may be taken to minimize potential financial and academic loss through such means as prorated refund of housing and academic fees.

VI. Reinstatement after a Voluntary or Involuntary Withdrawal from University

Reinstatement of a student who had been withdrawn for reasons of disruptive behavior concurrent with a diagnosed mental disorder is only with approval of the Vice President for Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee. The reinstatement process would include the following steps:

A. The former student would submit a letter to the Vice President for Academic Success and Student Affairs requesting reinstatement, and include a copy of a recent evaluation by a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist, or other licensed mental health professional showing that the disruptive behaviors leading to the withdrawal are being adequately managed. This evaluation would be initiated and paid for by the student, not by the University.

B. The Vice President for Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee will review the letter and the evaluation results, as well as the conditions and requirements for reinstatement, to determine whether the conditions and requirements have been met. The VP will make a decision based on consideration of this information.

C. TheVice President for Academic Success and Student Affairs or designee will notify the Dean of the College in which the student is to enroll or re-enroll of the reinstatement decision.