Who can make a BIT referral?

Anyone who feels a student’s behavior is concerning can make a BIT referral, including students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members.

What is the process for making a referral to the BIT?

If you feel there is an immediate threat, call Campus Police at (423) 618-1720.  To make a referral, use the “BIT Referral Form” link on the BIT home page.  You will be asked for basic information about the student, how to contact you (in case the BIT has follow-up questions) and for a description of the incident or behaviors that prompted the referral.  You are the BIT’s best resource because you may be familiar to the student.  If you are comfortable doing so, tell the student that you are concerned and ask if he/she is OK.  In many cases, students will indicate that he/she could use some help and you can refer them to a CSCC counselor at (423) 478-6217.

What happens after I make a referral?

BIT members evaluate the information and make a decision about whether the student should be assessed/interviewed.  Reporting, however, is the most critical step.

What happens to the student in the BIT process?

BIT provides students with confidential, respectful, proactive support, while offering resources and and balancing the educational needs of students with the mission of the college.

How do I know if a concerning behavior is a BIT issue, or is more appropriately handled by other campus resources?

You do not have to make this determination.  The most critical step is that you report the concerning behavior by filing a BIT report.  If another campus resource is more appropriate, BIT members will refer the student and handle the transfer of information.

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NOTE:  Never promise confidentiality to student(s) during initial referral.