Blue Folder: Student-In-Distress Response Guide
TCC’s Blue Folder helps faculty and staff recognize, respond to, and refer distressed students. Prepare yourself to support student well-being.
Be Safe! If you, the student or someone else is in imminent danger, call TCC Police Dept. at 918-595-8888 or call 911.
As a TCC employee, you are in a prime position to guide TCC students in distress to support services.
The TCC Blue Folder is designed to help you prepare to support students by learning how to:
- Recognize signs of distress
- Respond to a student’s needs with attentiveness and empathy
- Refer the student to others who may be best equipped to help
- Become familiar with the College’s resources
Recognize Signs of Distress & Respond Appropriately
Signs of Severe Distress
- Aggression
- Risk-Taking
- In-Coherent Thoughts
- Suspiciousness
- Irrational Fears
- Difficulty Communicating
- Disconnected From Reality
- Threats to Self or Others
Respond to Severe Distress:
- TCC Police Department (TCCPD): 918-595-8888/On-campus: 8888
- Tulsa Police Dept/Ambulance: 911
Once the emergency has passed, please submit a CARE Report so that BISC can follow up with the affected student(s).
Signs of Moderate Distress
- Unusual Emotional Reactions
- Changes in Physical Appearance
- Negative Self Talk
- Decrease in Academic Performance
- Signs of Substance Use
- Unexplained Cuts, Bruises, or Marks
Signs of Mild Distress
- Distracted
- Coming Late to Class
- Late on Assignments
- Expressing Personal Concerns (Illness,
- Death in the Family, or Life Change)
Respond to Severe Distress
- TCC Police Department (TCCPD): 918-595-8888/On Campus 8888
- Tulsa Police Dept/Ambulance: 911
Respond to Moderate Distress
Our CARE Coordinator can best help students in moderate distress. Submit a CARE Report to connect students to the help they need.
Respond to Mild Distress
Speak with the student about your concerns and ask how you can support them.
Direct your student to the appropriate resources. If you are unsure of what resource would be best, connect them with the resource navigator at the Student Help Hub.
Refer Students to Assistance
Submit a CARE Report to ensure your student receives ongoing support from the BISC Office.
Guided Support Services
These offices will evaluate your student's needs and link them with resources available both within the college and in the community.
BISC provides support, resources, and advocacy for students facing challenges, promoting growth and success at TCC. To initiate services for your student, please complete a CARE Report.
918-595-7150
bisc@tulsacc.edu
The Help Hub connects students to essential resources like housing, food, and transportation, offering personalized support. A student can schedule an appointment with the resource navigator to get assistance with personal life things like transportation, housing, and food.
918-595-8080
resourcenavigation@tulsacc.edu