Harper College will be closed from Wednesday, December 24, through Sunday, January 4, for Winter Break.
Students engage in a variety of behaviors from obvious and direct threats to clear violations of law or policy to simple annoyances. Some behaviors may simply be physical manifestations of a condition, and do not pose an actual threat. It is important to understand what types of behaviors to refer to HEAT and to Student Conduct so that an appropriate investigation and analysis can occur. Often behaviors may not be deemed to constitute a credible threat of physical violence, but may still warrant an intervention as a proactive measure before a person turns to violence. In order to assist the campus in learning how to recognize indicators and respond/refer appropriately, the following categories and examples are provided as guidance:
The first category of behaviors or indicators consists of those that may indicate possible immediate or future violence and should be assessed by someone with appropriate training/experience. It is important to note that these behaviors or indicators may also be disruptive and may also make us feel uncomfortable, similar to the other categories described later. Threatening behaviors are those that reference or indicate violence towards self or others (either directly or indirectly). Examples of these kinds of behaviors include:
The second category of behaviors or indicators includes those that significantly affect the classroom, office, or general campus environment but may not necessarily appear to be a threat. Some of these behaviors may still warrant contacting the police. These also often evoke an emotional response in others. Examples of these kinds of behaviors include:
Finally, there are behaviors or indicators that may not be disruptive or concerning, but may still create discomfort in others. These behaviors can include physical manifestations of mental and psychological conditions, as well as behaviors that may simply be different among individuals. Examples include: