FAQs

Recognize the warning signs and file a report.

In emergencies: see the sidebar on the right.

If it’s a non–emergency, contact University Police (see sidebar); use the TTAM group email, or use Awareity, the threat assessment, and the management reporting system.

Even if you are questioning or unsure, it’s always better to talk to someone about a person or situation of concern. Translation services are available to assist in information-gathering procedures if necessary.

All TTAM team members have received professional training in threat assessment and management. Common basic training helps to ensure consistency in procedures used in assessing these critical situations.

Anyone who feels that a Tufts community member is a potential threat to the community can make a TTAM referral; including students, parents, employees (faculty and staff), and Alumni.

TTAM members, trained in assessing and taking action regarding threatening behavior or direct threats, receive your referral, assess the information, and make a decision about whether the community member will be further assessed or another action is indicated. However, reporting concerning behavior is the most critical step. To make a TTAM referral, please contact University Police (see sidebar); use the TTAM group email, or use Awareity, the threat assessment, and the management reporting system.

If the team determines that the community member’s behavior warrants intervention by the team, the community member will be contacted and instructed to participate in an assessment.

No. Tufts University is sensitive to concerns related to retaliation against individuals who in good faith report acts of violence, concerning behavior or statements, or potential threats, or who participate in an investigation under this policy. Retaliating against a person who has made a report under this policy or who has participated in an investigation is prohibited. Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, ostracizing the person, pressuring the person to drop the report or not participate in the investigation, or taking other adverse action against the person. The University will respond to and investigate all reports of retaliation. An individual who engages in retaliation under this policy will be subject to discipline in accordance with the University’s student and employee disciplinary policies, as applicable.

TTAM team members are responsible for treating their work confidentially. While a TTAM team member cannot promise confidentiality during the intake or reporting process, information will be shared only with those who need to know. TTAM members may not disclose confidential material to anyone outside of the TTAM process unless the team determines that disclosure is warranted because the individual receiving the information is a university official or emergency responder with a need to know. If you are concerned that your information has not been treated with this discretion, we encourage you to contact us immediately.

You don’t have to make this determination; TTAM will do it for you. The most critical step is that you report the concern.

If you are comfortable doing so, you can also tell the individual who is exhibiting threatening behavior that you are concerned and ask if s/he needs help. If they do, you can refer them to the below list of services for students and employees:

For students

• Tufts Health Services (Medford/Somerville)
• Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Service (Medford/Somerville and Boston-SMFA)
• Student Advisory and Health Administration (Boston-Health Sciences and Grafton)
• TTAM members (during business hours)

For employees (faculty and staff)

• Employee Assistance Program (all campuses)
• TTAM members (during business hours)

Typically, threats, either explicit or implied, or threatening behavior that poses a threat to safety qualify as TTAM referrals.