SITUATION THREAT ASSESSMENT POLICY AND PROTOCOL
Rowan University is committed to promoting a safe and secure learning environment. It is intended that all useful
management strategies be employed to identify and prevent incidents of campus violence, reduce the effects of
violence on victims, and provide consequences to those who threaten or perpetrate violence. The University will use
available resources within the Division of Student Life in responding to alleged threats or acts of violence by
students.
Definitions
Threat: A threat is defined as any behavior that suggests intent to harm oneself or others. Threats may be spoken,
written, e-mailed, or expressed in some other way, such as through gestures. Threats can be made towards oneself,
directly to the intended victim, communicated through third parties, or expressed in private writings. Possession of
any item used as a weapon such as a firearm or knife on campus would be presumed to indicate a threat, unless
determined otherwise by subsequent investigation.
Situation Threat Assessment Team (STAT)
Rowan University’s Situation Threat Assessment Team (STAT) assists in individually evaluating and
documenting situations where students are displaying disruptive or threatening behaviors that may impede their own
or others’ ability to function successfully or safely in an educational setting. The process is designed to identify
persons whose behaviors may endanger their own or others' health and safety.
The Situation Threat Assessment Team consists of University personnel with expertise in law enforcement/threat
assessment/tactical applications, mental health, medical knowledge, and student affairs. A collaborative process to
assess threats will be used, and, depending on the situation, personnel with areas of specialization/responsibility may
be called upon to assist the team. Other individuals may also be consulted to share expertise or other pertinent
information.
Purpose
For the safety of the campus community, any threat, explicit or implied, will be considered a statement of intent. The
Situation Threat Assessment Team will recommend actions to the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of
Students. This team has been established to:
Respond to threats of any kind that include harassment, physical altercations, destruction of property, or
any behavior that poses a risk to self or others.
Initiate contact with appropriate authorities to place a student in the custody of a mental health facility
capable of supporting specific behaviors.
Evaluate concerns and assess likelihood of physical harm.
Coordinate information from faculty, administrators, students, and local authorities.
Investigate the incident(s) and recommend appropriate actions, which may include suspension, expulsion,
involuntary leave of absence, filing of criminal charges, or ongoing monitoring for follow-up and
observation of behavior patterns;
Identify resources for troubled students and make referrals to appropriate campus and off-campus agencies;
help secure therapeutic actions that are appropriate, such as treatment or counseling, hospitalization, and
external psychological evaluations.
Notify, within FERPA guidelines, parents, guardians and/or emergency contacts.
Periodically assess outcomes of actions taken, and develop strategies for risk reduction.
Make recommendations for resolution of specific incidents as well as recommendations for improvements
to general procedures.
Protocol
Faculty, staff, and students should immediately report any situation that could result in harm to anyone at the
University. Any member of the campus community may become aware of a student or situation that is causing
serious anxiety, stress, or fear and, if so, the reporting party should immediately call the Department of Public Safety
& Emergency Management at 856-256-4922 or the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students at (856)
256-4283.
The Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students (or designee), will initially review the report and, if
appropriate, convene the STAT. The STAT shall be comprised of the Vice President for Student Life & Dean of
Students, the Assistant Vice President for Public Safety & Emergency Management (or designee), Senior Director