BIT Referral: Learn More
Concerned About a Student?
Anyone, including faculty, staff, students, or community members, can make a referral if they're concerned about a student.
If you are concerned about a student's well-being, behavior, or safety, submit a BIT referral and the team can determine the appropriate next steps.
What is BIT?
The Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) at Porterville College serves as a centralized, coordinated team that addresses students exhibiting concerning behaviors. These behaviors may signal emotional distress, disrupt the campus community, or pose a risk of harm to themselves or others.
Committed to proactive, early intervention, BIT supports students directly and collaborates with campus partners to provide appropriate care and resources. The team:
- Provides support to students experiencing emotional or crisis situations
- Recommends and coordinates appropriate campus interventions
- Collaborates with campus partners to ensure students receive appropriate care, resources, and ongoing support
- Uses systematic methods to identify and address student concerns early, before they escalate
Through direct outreach and coordination with faculty and staff, BIT promotes student well-being while maintaining a safe and supportive campus environment.
When Should I Make a BIT Referral?
Submit a referral when you notice a student exhibiting behaviors that may indicate distress or concern, including:
- A significant decline in academic performance
- Signs of emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or isolation
- Statements or behaviors related to self-harm
- Concerning changes in behavior
- Drug or alcohol misuse
- Disruptive, threatening, or unusual behavior
- Other concerns about a student's well-being or safety
Not Sure If You Should Make a Referral?
If you're unsure whether to report, it's better to report and let BIT assess the situation.
How the Referral Process Works
How Does the Referral Process Work?
- Submit a BIT Referral — Complete the online BIT reporting form and provide information about what you observed or what was shared with you.
- BIT Reviews the Concern — A BIT team member will review the information. You may be contacted if additional information is needed.
- BIT Determines Next Steps — BIT will determine what support or response may be appropriate based on the situation.
- Student Outreach & Support — Depending on the concern, BIT may:
- Contact the student
- Meet with the student
- Connect the student with appropriate campus resources
- Coordinate additional support with campus partners
Is My BIT Referral Confidential?
Your identity is kept confidential to the extent possible.
BIT focuses on student safety, support, and early intervention. Information is shared only as needed to appropriately respond to the concern.
Will the Student Know I Made the Referral?
BIT does not typically disclose who submitted a referral unless sharing that information is necessary to appropriately address the situation.
Is BIT Disciplinary?
BIT is primarily a support and early intervention team, not a disciplinary body.
However, if a student's behavior violates college policy or presents a serious safety concern, the situation may be referred to the appropriate college office, such as the Standards of Student Conduct Board or Campus Security.
The goal of BIT is to provide support and address concerns early. In some situations, additional action may also be necessary to maintain campus safety.
Need Immediate Help?
BIT is not an emergency response service.
If someone is in immediate danger or there is an immediate threat to safety: Call 911 or Campus Security first.
For immediate mental health crisis support: Call or text 988.
A BIT referral can also be submitted afterward, so the college can provide appropriate follow-up and support.
