Oglethorpe University launched its latest effort to shore up mental health support on campus for students, faculty and staff this week with a new behavioral intervention team called Petrel Assessment and Care Team (PACT).
PACT is a campus-wide group of multi-disciplinary trained professionals who are responsible for identifying, assessing, mitigating and responding to concerning behaviors by students, faculty, staff, and affiliated guests, particularly those who present a risk to the health and safety of self, others, as well as the Oglethorpe University premises.
PACT can assist in addressing situations in which students, faculty, staff, or guests are displaying behaviors that indicate distress, are concerning, disruptive or threatening in nature and that potentially impede their own or others’ ability to function successfully or safely in an educational environment.
“We are continuing to look for ways to increase the safety and support of the community here at Oglethorpe,” said Sari-Jai Walker, associate director of student rights and responsibilities. “PACT exists to identify and get help for those who need it, but may not speak up for a variety of reasons.”
Chaired by Walker, PACT’s membership includes the following staff members:
- Meredith Raimondo, Vice President of Student Affairs
- Michelle Lyn, Director of University Counseling Center
- Blake Petty, Assistant Dean of Students / Director of Residence Life
- Dylan Whitney, Director of Campus Safety
- Miriam Smith, Senior Director of Title IX & Equity
- Kathryn McClymond, Vice President for Academic Affairs / Provost
- Sandy Butler, Human Resources Director
Founded in accordance with the best practices and policies outlined by the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment, PACT aims to foster a culture of care and reporting to ensure concerns are identified and provided appropriate support. It will serve as a centralized reporting and referral mechanism to better identify, assess, manage, and support OU community members whose behavior causes concern.
PACT will also seek to improve coordination and communication regarding behavioral issues across campus while utilizing proactive approaches and early intervention strategies with at-risk students to prevent escalation of concerns and fill gaps in support services. PACT will be providing training, resources and support to the OU community to better identify and address concerns.
“When we tell parents of prospective students that their student will be supported in all the ways they need in our complex society today, that includes mental health,” said President Nick Ladany. “PACT is another very effective tool to help us keep that promise and support not only students, but faculty and staff and members of our community who may require assistance.”
Learn more at oglethorpe.edu/pact. Please note that behavioral assessment should not be confused with emergency and crisis management. An emergency or “crisis” may be defined as a situation in which a person may need immediate assistance to ensure their health and safety and/or pose an active or immediate risk of violence to self or others. In these cases, please contact 9-1-1 and the Office of Campus Safety at 404-504-1998.
