Policy Title: UIS Threat Assessment Policy 
Policy Owner: Chancellor’s Office 
Responsible Official: Chancellor’s Chief of Staff 
Approved by: UIS Chancellor, as recommended by Cabinet 
Date Approved: 10.29.24 
Effective Date: 12.1.24 
Targeted Review Date: 12.1.27 
Contact: kgurs2@uis.edu 
 

Related Policies: 

I. Scope 

This policy applies to all University Community Members including faculty, staff, students, registered student organizations, affiliates, and visitors. 

II. Purpose 

The University is committed to a safe and nonviolent campus environment and does not tolerate acts or threats of violence. In service of these commitments, and consistent with state law and regulations—Campus Security Enhancement Act of 2008 (110 ILCS 12/20) and (29 Ill. Admin. Code 305.80)—this policy establishes the authority of the university’s Threat Assessment Team (TAT) and provides guidance for identifying concerning and threatening behaviors that have the potential to lead to violence against a person and/or group. 

The TAT is a multidisciplinary team—comprised of representatives from the Chancellor’s Office, Provost’s Office, Student Affairs, UIS Police, Human Resources, Access and Equity and the Counseling center, as well as ad hoc members when warranted—responsible for conducting threat assessments and addressing concerning, dangerous or threatening behavior that impacts campus. TAT is also responsible for providing guidance and best practices for preventing violence and providing related supportive services. 

III. Authority 

Office of the Chancellor 

IV. Policy 

UIS shall have a Threat Assessment Team (TAT)—comprised of representatives from the Chancellor’s Office, Provost’s Office, Student Affairs, UIS Police, Human Resources, Access and Equity and the Counseling center, as well as ad hoc members when warranted—to evaluate reports of concerning and threatening behaviors that have the potential to lead to violence. To accomplish this goal, the Threat Assessment Team receives reports from any individual or group about concerning behaviors. To report concerning behaviors, see below. 

All university employees (faculty, staff and affiliates) and students must cooperate with requests from the TAT, as directed, in connection with its violence prevention and response missions. 

The TAT is also responsible for reporting imminent threats and clear and present dangers as required under state and federal law. 

The included procedures and processes outline how to recognize, address and report concerning or threatening behaviors. 

What to Report to Threat Assessment 

The following guidance is intended to help members of the campus community identify observable behaviors or circumstances that indicate someone needs assistance, is at risk of disrupting the educational environment, or may pose a risk of violence. It is not always possible to know the significance of any single behavior taken out of context. The university’s TAT relies upon the active participation of the campus community in recognizing and reporting concerning and threatening behaviors or other indicators that show an individual may be on a pathway to violence. 

The examples below are not all-inclusive, and this information is not intended to be used as a checklist. Individuals who are concerned that another person may pose a risk of violence should contact the TAT even if they cannot identify specific risk factors. The TAT will use information it receives in fact-based assessment processes to evaluate reported behaviors and take appropriate steps to refer, assess, and address reported behaviors. 

  1. Violent behaviors that create a reasonable fear of physical harm, including aggressive acts and/or violent ideation (violent fantasies, writings, etc. that are inconsistent within a given context or classroom assignment) 
  2. Suicidal/Homicidal thoughts, plans, or intent. 
  3. Pattern of physical or emotional bullying and/or intimidation. 
  4. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests or other verbal or physical sexual conduct. 
  5. Threats to or harm/destruction of property. 
  6. Inappropriate attempts to control processes, outcomes, or decisions beyond the person’s control. 
  7. Persistently pursuing unrealistic options and refusing to stop even after being directed to do so (i.e., an intense focus on a perceived injustice). 
  8. Delusional ideations or behaviors (persecutory, paranoia, hallucinations). 
  9. Excessive, escalating, or inappropriate alcohol or other drug use. 

How To Report to the TAT 

Any individual who observes behavior that they believe may pose an imminent threat to safety, security or health should call 911 immediately. 

If the conduct does not pose an imminent threat to safety, security or health, the individual should report their concerns to the TAT, as outlined below. 

Threat Assessment Team 

During business hours: (217) 206-7795 
After hours: (217) 206-6690 (UISPD non-emergency number) 
Email: threatassessment@uis.edu 
Online reporting form: Employee of Concern Reporting Form 
Student of Concern Reporting Form 

Threat Assessment Process 

TAT members have access to the information reported to, or gathered by, the team. Other individuals also may have access to the information to the extent that it is necessary for the campus to fulfill its violence prevention and response mission and to promote the safety of the campus community. Confidentiality and privacy interests will be protected as required by law. 

Confidential Resources 

The university provides assistance for students and employees and their families who want to discuss a situation in a confidential setting. 

Campus Violence Prevention Plan — Additional Resources 

The campus has a comprehensive “UIS Campus Violence Prevention Plan” (CVPP), which includes a list of additional resources. UIS students, faculty and staff are provided access to a range of support services, including mental health services, crisis management services, and referral to comprehensive services for victims. These services are available either on campus or through community resources. 

Students 

Employees 

Exceptions 

None.

Policy Level
University-level
Approval Date
10-29-2024
Effective Date
12-01-2024
Responsible Unit
Office of the Chancellor