BARC
What is barc?
BARC serves to promote the safety and effectiveness of University students and the University community, primarily through the coordination and analysis of information regarding students who may pose a threat to any member(s) of the University community (including a risk of self-harm) or to others. When BARC determines threatening behavior is present, it may make use of intervention and support tools designed to mitigate threatening behavior and promote the safety of the University community.
In meeting this purpose, BARC balances the individual rights and needs of University students and the shared needs of the University community, taking appropriate intervention and support steps for each individual case based on the circumstances presented.
What does BARC have the authority to do?
BARC coordinates the collection and assessment of concerns raised by an enrolled student’s behavior. BARC is empowered to take necessary steps in response to students’ behaviors that present a threat of harm to themselves, to other students, and/or to other members of the UGA campus community.
For more information about BARC’s authority and procedures, please consult the Behavioral Assessment and Response Council Policy and Procedures in the University of Georgia Policy Library.
When should I refer students to BARC?
Members of the university community should refer students to BARC who exhibit threatening behavior to self and/or others. Non-emergency situations in which the student does not pose an immediate threat to self or others but exhibits behavior revealing a potential for harm may be referred to UGA Student Affairs (706-542-7774) or University Police (706-542-2200).
How can you assist BARC?
When contacting BARC about a student whom you believe has the potential to harm themselves or others, please provide as much information as possible. The more information we have, the better we can make a determination of whether the student poses a threat to self or others.
Is the BARC process confidential?
Notes, minutes, and records pertaining to BARC shall be subject to all state and federal laws applicable including, but not limited to, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and Georgia Open Records laws. All records deemed confidential (e.g. protected health/mental health information) shall be treated as such and shall not lose such protection by virtue of being addressed within BARC meetings.
Forms
Students that become involved with BARC may be asked to complete certain forms to be reviewed by the Council. When BARC requests that a student completes a form, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure the provider from whom they are receiving care completes the form in a timely manner.