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Bystander Intervention

Bystander intervention occurs when a witness speaks up and/or steps in to stop a potentially dangerous situation. Bystanders often do not become involved in a situation because they do not know what to do, are worried about their own safety, or think other witnesses will intervene.
 
Empowered Bystanders
  1. Are mindful of their environment.
  2. Take care of their friends and classmates.
  3. Ask their friends and classmates to take care of them.
  4. Are empathetic.
  5. Familiarize themselves with campus resources.
  6. Have the Collin College Police Department number (972.578.5555) programmed into their cell phones.
  7. Speak up to stop violence.
  8. Are willing to act.
The entire campus community plays a vital role in preventing acts that violate Collin College's Core Value of Dignity and Respect. As a friend, classmate, partner, family member, etc., you are in a unique position - you have the power to intervene and stop an incident before it occurs. You can use your power to stop a potentially dangerous situation by:
 
Intervening
Questions to ask before taking action:
  1. Am I concerned about a situation becoming a potential problem?
  2. Do I recognize someone who may need help?
  3. Do I see others and myself as part of the solution?
  4. Do I have a responsibility to act?
  5. If the roles were reversed would I want or need someone to intervene?
Questions to ask during the situation:
  1. How can I keep myself and others safe if I intervene?
  2. What are my available options? Options may include, but are not limited to:
    • creating a distraction,
    • interrupting a situation,
    • removing others and myself from the situation,
    • checking in to make sure friends and any vulnerable individuals make it home safely, and
    • speaking out against social norms that support violence.
  3. Are there others I can call for help, including 911 and the Collin College Police Department?
  4. What are the benefits and costs of taking action?
 
Being a Supportive Ally
  1. Educate yourself and others about gender inequality, prohibited conduct, the causes of violence, healthy relationships, and consent to sexual activity.
  2. Challenge the myths surrounding violence and prohibited conduct. Understand how your attitudes and actions may perpetuate these myths, and work toward changing them.
  3. Don't make excuses for other people's inappropriate behavior.
  4. Don't blame the victim.
  5. Gently offer support if you suspect someone close to you has been a victim of violence.
 
Reporting Incidents that Violate the Student Code of Conduct
Any student who believes he or she has experienced prohibited conduct or believes another student has experienced prohibited conduct should immediately report the alleged act(s) to one of the following Collin College officials:

1. Title IX Coordinator for Students   
    Terrence Brennan
    Dean of Students
    Office: CHEC 457
    Phone: 972.881.5604
    Email: tbrennan@collin.edu 
 
2. Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Students
    Amy Throop
    Associate Dean of Students
    Office: McKinney Campus Suite B-336
    Phone: 972.881.5667
    Email: athroop@collin.edu 

3. Title IX Coordinator for Employees
    Floyd Nickerson
    Vice President of Employee Engagement   
    Office: CHEC 349   
    Phone: 972.599.3159   
    Email: fnickerson@collin.edu

3. Deputy Title IX Coordinator for Employees    
    Tonya Jacobson
    Office: CHEC 345    
    Phone: 972.758.3856    
    Email: tjacobson@collin.edu

In addition, students can report prohibited conduct to an instructor, counselor, administrator, campus security authority (CSA), other college district employee, or file the appropriate online complaint form.

Remember: If you see something, say something!

 

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