ALERTeam and Threat Assessment Team

This policy aims to guide the coordination of efforts by Lynn University to promote the safety and well-being of the university community by utilizing a campus behavioral intervention team and a threat assessment team. 

The Academic Life Emergency Response Team at Lynn University, also known as “ALERT” or the “ALERTeam,” serves as the university’s behavioral intervention team. The ALERTeam engages in proactive and collaborative approaches to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with students exhibiting troubling behaviors. 

The Lynn University, Threat Assessment Team, reviews incidents of perceived or actual threatening behavior by students, determines a plan of action to identify any actual risk to the safety and security of the University community, and makes an informed decision regarding the response to such concerns. 

1. ALERTeam

   The Academic Life Emergency Response Team (ALERTeam) is an assessment and early intervention team for any students reported to be exhibiting challenging and at-risk behaviors that extend beyond the scope of their academic performance. Concerns are submitted by campus community members, primarily in the form of Concerned Person Reports. The ALERTeam meets regularly during the academic year to review reported student concerns, gather additional relevant information, assess the level of risk, and develop a response plan. The ALERTeam strives to promote individual student well-being and success by partnering with campus community members. Out of respect for the privacy of the involved students, the ALERTeam typically does not report back to the submitter regarding the outcome or plan of action taken. In addition, matters reviewed by the ALERTeam may be referred to the Threat Assessment Team for review and assessment when it is determined that there is a possible elevated risk to the health or safety of a University community member.

   Members of the ALERTeam may include representatives from any of the following departments: Dean of Students Office, Counseling Services, Student Health, Student Conduct, Academic Affairs, Housing and Residential Life, Title IX, the Institute for Achievement and Learning, Campus Safety, and Student Accessibility Services. The Assistant Dean of Students (ADOS) or the Dean of Students (DOS) will be the chairperson. A Case Manager from the Dean of Students Office may chair a meeting without the ADOS or DOS. The ALERTeam may include or consult with representatives from other areas and offices to address a particular report or student.

   A Concerned Person Report is a method for members of the Lynn University community to report concerns related to a student's personal, physical, and/or emotional well-being and safety. Reports are accessible online at my.lynn.edu. Once submitted, they are reviewed individually by the ALERTeam weekly, prioritized based on circumstance, and institutional response is coordinated. The ALERTeam will take reasonable steps to maintain the confidentiality of those who complete a Concerned Person Report when outreach efforts are made to the student of concern. 

   The ALERTeam is not a disciplinary entity. As such, any concerns regarding a potential Student Code of Conduct violation should be reported to Campus Safety rather than through a Concerned Person Report. 

    

2. Threat Assessment Team

   The Threat Assessment Team is authorized to review reports and formulate an immediate response in situations where there has been an expressed concern regarding a student posing an elevated risk or potential threat to the safety and security of the University community. This may be based on a student's expression, action, statement, or pattern of behavior that generates legitimate concern for the risk of imminent danger. If any individual has reason to believe that a student presents such a risk, they should report this information promptly to Campus Safety or law enforcement. In addition, matters reviewed by the ALERTeam may be referred to the Threat Assessment Team for review and assessment when it is determined that there is a possible elevated risk. 

   Upon receiving knowledge of such reports, the Threat Assessment Team may be convened by the authority of the Vice President of Student Affairs. The Threat Assessment Team is authorized to gather any and all available information and assess the probability of risk in cooperation with other University departments and law enforcement agencies, as appropriate. If the Threat Assessment Team determines, based on the information available at the time of the meeting, that a student’s behavior represents a potential risk to one or more members of the University community, it shall make recommendations to be taken by departments with authority to initiate immediate emergency action, including but not limited to mandating participation in a clinical mental health assessment; mandating adherence to health or medical directives; mandating participation in a violence risk assessment interview; issuance of interim restriction; removal from University property; and/or recommending issuance of a trespass or trespass warning.

   The Vice President of Student Affairs will chair the Threat Assessment Team. The team membership will also include any of the following individuals or their designees: the Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Students, Chief of Campus Safety, Executive Director of Health and Wellness, General Counsel, and the Vice President or Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. Depending on the nature of the concern and the involved student, other individuals may also be called to participate in a Threat Assessment Team meeting, such as representatives from the following departments: Counseling Services, Housing and Residence Life, the Institute for Achievement and Learning, and the Dean of Students Office Case Managers.