RED FOLDER

 

College and University campuses all across the US have developed and implemented the Red Folder Initiative for use by campus employees in recognizing, identifying and addressing distressed student behavior. The Red Folder provides identified response protocol, in a clear and concise format. You are encouraged to print this section of our site and hang it in your office space, to be used as a QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE.  Some of the information that follows was used and modified with consent from the UC and CSU Chancellor’s Office Red Folder Initiative. 

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING, DO SOMETHING

SEE SOMETHING

You may be the first person to SEE something distressing in your students, whether it be writing in a paper, changes in behavior, missing class time or appointments, etc. Students may feel isolated, or hopeless when faced with academic challenges. These feelings may lead to disruption of academic performance and interpersonal relationships. 

SAY SOMETHING

If a student’s behavior leaves your concerned, alarmed or even threatened, there are resources on campus for you, and for the student. If a student is exhibiting distressing behavior in the classroom, it’s highly likely that student is also exhibiting distressing behavior in other areas of life. Please communicate those concerns right away to a Behavioral Management Team member, we can point you in the right direction!

DO SOMETHING

When you recognize signs of student distress, sometimes the most difficult, but the most important, thing you can do is to address it. It can be uncomfortable to express your concerns, but if the student has no one else to turn to, you may be the only one who witnesses this distress, so it is always best to do something. Make the call, escort the student to a campus resource, have that difficult conversation. You are not assuming the role of counselor or therapist or law enforcement, this is just about identifying that there is a problem, and having access to the resources and referrals for your student of concern.

SITUATION
Student behavior is reckless, dangerous or threatening, including self-harm.
CONTACT
Call Campus Police
at extension 911
SITUATION
Student has behaved in a way that makes me uncertain or uneasy. I am concerned about the student’s emotional stability.
CONTACT
Contact a member of the BMT,
the Office of Student Affairs, or
the Health Center for advice and direction.
SITUATION
Student has presented with significant stressors, personal issues and academic problems.
CONTACT
Contact Academic Counseling, DSPS, a member of the BMT, or other appropriate campus resource.

WHEN THERE IS A DISRUPTION BUT NOT A THREAT

We define this by a “disruption of the orderly operation of the college…”. This possible violation of the GCC Student Code of Conduct can be found here: Administrative Regulation 5500 Standards of Student Conduct (C.1.).

If you believe you have witnessed a disruption that is not a threat, contact the Office of Student Affairs, and complete a “Student of Concern Report”. 

If you are at all unsure, please contact Campus Police to speak with an officer about what you observed.

Things to remember:

  • Ensure your own safety, and the safety of others around you, if possible.
  • Always use a calm, non-confrontational voice and try not to escalate the situation. 
  • Describe appropriate behavior, set limits on inappropriate behavior.
  • Leave the area, or ask the student to leave.
  • Immediately report and document. Report situation.
GCC CAMPUS RESOURCES – QUICK GUIDE
A NOTE ABOUT PRIVACY CONCERNS