BARC: Behavioral Assessment and Response Council
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), as a Unit within the Division of Student Affairs, assists key University Administrators in addressing mental health concerns when they become a UGA community problem.
Students that become involved with BARC may be asked to complete certain forms to be reviewed by the Council and maintained at CAPS. When BARC requests that a student complete a form, it is the student's responsibility to ensure the provider from whom he or she is receiving care completes the form in a timely manner. All forms are downloadable from the internet by clicking the links below.
It is critical students read all correspondence from BARC carefully and completely. Students are encouraged to make an appointment with the Dean of Students to answer questions about the letter. Additionally, it is recommended an appointment be made with the Director of CAPS to obtain appropriate Release of Information Forms prior to requesting a community provider complete the BARC form(s) so all relevant information needed by BARC is obtained in a timely fashion. Questions regarding the BARC process can be found at dos.uga.edu/barc. Appointments with the Dean of Students can be made by calling the office of the Dean of Students at (706) 542-7774. To make an appointment with the Director of CAPS regarding the BARC Forms or to complete Release of Information Forms, call CAPS at (706) 542-2273. Information on how to contact the Chair of BARC (Dean of Students) or the CAPS Director is specified in the original BARC communication. Please be sure support staff scheduling a meeting with either the Dean or the Director knows it is in reference to BARC.
What is BARC?
The Behavioral Assessment & Response Council (BARC) is a group of key administrators who assess and determine the appropriate response to students who exhibit threatening behavior to themselves and/or others.
BARC is empowered to take necessary steps to remove from campus any student who may present a direct threat of harm to themselves, to other students and/or to other members of the campus community.
Student Crisis Response
If you are in contact with a student who appears to be an immediate threat to his or her own safety or that of others, please call 911.
Crisis situations include:
- Stated intention to commit suicide or inflict serious harm to self
- Stated intention or obvious behavior indicating an imminent threat to harm 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:
- Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), 706-542-2273
- Office of the Dean of Students, 706-542-7774, dos.uga.edu/barc
- University Police, 706-542-2200
Forms & Letters
Letters to students provide notification to the student about BARC involvement and necessary steps the student should take as a result of this involvement.
Letters to care providers or providers doing an Evaluation give an explanation of the alleged incident that precipitated BARC involvement. It also contains valuable information regarding needed documentation to remain on or return to campus. Additionally, the BARC letter requests recommendations for the Council to consider regarding the student's involvement in the academic community.
Initial Mental Health Professional's Assessment and Recommendation to Remain or Return to UGA
The Initial Form is to be completed by a care provider and returned to CAPS. The Form provides information on the student's current status and ability to function within the academic environment. CAPS will review the documentation once it is received and discuss the evaluation and recommendations with BARC consistent with signed Release of Information Forms. If the documentation is inadequate, a second evaluation may be requested by BARC.
Mental Health Professional's Verification of Progress
The Verification of Progress Form provides CAPS with updates on the student's ability to function without disruption on campus as determined by the care provider. Frequency of updates is determined by BARC. It is the student's responsibility to ensure updates and Verification of Progress Forms are received by CAPS. Content of this documentation will also be discussed with BARC consistent with signed Release of Information Forms.
Mental Health Professional's Verification of Progress to Graduation or Treatment Completion
The Final form is completed by the care provider when the student graduates, completes treatment services, or BARC determines updates are no longer needed. The Form should be faxed to CAPS for review. Content of the documentation is discussed with BARC consistent with signed Release of Information Forms.
If you or your care provider has additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact any member of BARC. Information can be found at dos.uga.edu/barc.
