1. If you feel there is an immediate threat, call 911.
2. To make a referral, select the submit an incident report. You will be asked for basic information about the student, how to contact you
(in case of follow-up questions) and for a description of the incident or behaviors
that prompted the referral.
3. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask
if he/she is okay. In many cases students will indicate that he/she may need help
and you can refer them to counseling services.
Anyone who feels a student is at risk of self-harm and/or harm to the community can make a BIT referral. Referral sources include students, parents, faculty, staff, and other community members.
If the team determines the student is appropriate for the BIT process, he/she will be contacted and instructed to undergo an assessment at Counseling Services. The type of assessment is dependent on the behavior, and it may involve other members of the BIT team, such as Law Enforcement or Student Affairs. You do not have to make the determination regarding how the student will be assessed. The BIT will do it for you. The most critical step is that you report your concerns. If another campus resource is more appropriate, the BIT will refer the student to those resources as needed.
Typically, behaviors that pose an immediate or imminent threat to safety or that cause a significant community disruption qualify as BIT, while students who experience other, less urgent mental health issues are appropriate referrals to counseling services.