Based on the recommendations of the National Association for Behavioral Interventions and Threat Assessment (NABITA), a three-phase process is used in assessing each SAIT referral. It is important to know that these phases are not linear and may be ongoing. Initial assessments must be made when a referral is received and intervention may need to occur before a larger discussion. Follow-up interventions may follow and cases may need to be reassessed many times before they are closed. Data gathering is continual as new information may be necessary for further assessment and intervention. These phases are as follows:

Phase Once: Gather Data

Gathering data is an ongoing process, though much of the information comes in at the beginning of a referral before initial intervention. One of the primary forms of data collection is from the SAIT referral forms. The SAIT Referral Form is located on the SAIT website and is linked through the EKU S.A.F.E. app. Once referrals are received, Core team members collect any additional data that are needed to determine the appropriate Risk Assessment and intervention.

Phase Two: Risk Rubric Analysis

The SAIT uses the NABITA Risk Rubric to assess risk in each case. When there is concern for greater threat, the team refers to other tools mentioned in the SAIT Manual, including threat and violence risk assessments.

Initial Risk Assessment:  Every SAIT referral will first be reviewed by the Dean of Students and Assistant Dean of Students upon receipt, and those two Core team members will determine a preliminary Risk Assessment level based on the NABITA Risk Rubric. If there is an immediate concern for safety, the DOS or designee may initiate a welfare check, call EKU PD, discuss the matter with other team members, call for an emergency team meeting, and/or take other interim measures as deemed necessary and appropriate. The DOS may request that Core and/or Advisory team members gather information on the referrals or address time-sensitive needs within their areas. All cases will be discussed during the regular Core team meeting, unless a special called meeting of the Core team is warranted due to the nature of the referral, and any actions or interventions taken to date by individual Core team members or within their areas will be discussed regarding interventions.

Team Risk Assessment:  During the SAIT meeting, the Core team will conduct a Risk Assessment using the NABITA Risk Rubric. The Core team Risk Assessment may take into consideration the preliminary Risk Assessment assigned by the DOS, in coordination with the ADOS, but may differ from such in light of the totality of the circumstances and differing perspectives and expertise of all Core team members. Specifically, the Core team will use data gathered and information known at the time of the meeting to come to a consensus on the current Risk Assessment level. Risk level may be re-assessed as the case evolves and as additional data and information is available to the Core team.  

Phase Three: Interventions

The SAIT creates a plan for interventions in order to mitigate concerning behaviors and/or provide support to the student and the campus community. The SAIT will provide interventions that are intentional to the needs of the student and the assessed risk determined by the Core team. The intervention phase is an on-going process and the SAIT will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and make adjustments as needed.