I. Purpose and Scope

The University of Houston is committed to providing a learning environment that promotes the safety and well being of its students and that is conducive for its students to develop to their fullest potential. To this end, the University has established the Conduct Assessment and Response Team (CART) in order to provide a proactive, multidisciplinary, and collaborative approach to assessing and responding to students who exhibit threatening and/or concerning behaviors. The purpose of the CART is to provide a vehicle for communication across and among divisions and departments of the University regarding student conduct and to serve as the institutional gathering point for information related to students who exhibit threatening and/or concerning behaviors.

II. Policy Statement

This policy establishes the Conduct Assessment and Response Team (CART), identifies its membership, and enables the team to coordinate University assets and resources in order to assess and respond to UH students who exhibit threatening and concerning behaviors.

Specifically, the CART may execute actions such as, but not limited to, the following:

A. Meet on a regular basis to conduct the business of the CART.

B. Develop processes and procedures designed to facilitate the effective and efficient management of cases of threatening and/or concerning student behavior brought before the CART.

C. Gather information and assess situations involving students who may pose potential risk of harm to self and/or persons or property in the University community or who may cause substantial disruption to the University activities as a result of their concerning.

D. Consult with University community members affected by students who exhibit threatening and/or concerning behaviors.

E. Mobilize University assets and resources in an effort to respond to situations involving threatening and/or disruptive student behavior.

F. Develop specific strategies to manage or intervene with threatening and/or concerning student behaviors in an effort to protect the rights of University community members and to minimize disruption to University activities.

G. Make recommendations to appropriate University officials regarding actions that might be taken to protect the rights and safety of University community members and that are consistent with University policy as well as federal, state, and local laws.

H. Develop and disseminate informational materials designed to assist University community members in the identification and prevention of potentially threatening and/or disruptive student behavior.

I. Develop and facilitate training programs which inform University community members of strategies designed to help them identify students in distress and interact with students who exhibit threatening, concerning and disruptive behaviors.

J. Develop and disseminate materials designed to inform the University community of the existence of the CART and identify contact information for the CART in order to facilitate the reporting of potentially threatening and/or concerning student behaviors.

III. Confidentiality

Records created by the CART related to students are considered educational records and are, therefore, subject to regulations set forth under the Family Educational Records and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). All activities of CART shall comply with FERPA and state and federal laws concerning privacy of mental health records and information. All other information and the identities of individuals providing information will remain confidential the extent allowed by law.

IV. Review and Responsibility

Responsible party: Associate Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students.
Review: Every three years, on or before May 1.