Guidelines for Handling Classroom Disruption:

• If a student is posing a threat to the safety of himself/herself or others, or becomes physically or verbally abusive, University Police should be contacted immediately and a report should be submitted to the Dean of Students. It is often a mistake to assume that aggressive behavior will stop on its own. Err on the side of safety.
• In other events of deliberate classroom disruption, it is important to deal with the behavior in calm, courteous, and direct fashion before it escalates. During class, you may first make a general comment, such as,
  "We have too many private conversations going on at this time; let's focus on the same topic."
• If the disruptive behavior does not cease you may ask a particular student to refrain from the disruptive behavior and ask that he/she come see you after class, so you can address the problem(s) in private. When you meet with the student, explain why you consider this type of behavior inappropriate, stress your behavioral expectations for your students and warn the student that further occurrences of disruptive behavior may result in disciplinary action. Be sure to document the incident in some way.
• If the behavior is repeated or the student exhibits a different disruptive behavior, the student should be given a verbal as well as a written warning. The written warning should be copied to your Department Chair and the Dean of Students. It should contain only factual descriptive information. The student is entitled to see this documentation. Consulting with your Department Chair and/or the Dean of Students may be helpful at this time.
• If the disruptive behavior continues, you may ask the student to leave the class. If the student refuses to leave, you may call University Police for assistance. A disruptive student who is asked to leave or who is removed from class should, as soon as practicable, be given the opportunity to meet with you to discuss his/her behavior. You may meet with the student alone, or with a colleague or your Department Chair. The behavior should also be documented and reported to the Dean of Students. A disruptive student may not be permanently removed from class without a formal review; therefore, it is essential that you work with your Department Chair and the Dean of Students before taking this step.

The fact that a disruptive student has a disability should not inhibit you from acting on inappropriate behavior. For more information contact the Dean of Students, or the office of Disability Services.

Any information that you learn while speaking with a disruptive student privately should be handled in a confidential manner. You may only discuss the case with campus officials who have a legitimate educational interest such as your Department Chair or the Dean of Students. The privacy of a students educational records (i.e. grades, reports of misconduct, etc.) is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). For more information contact the Dean of Students.

• University Police: 5500 or 7777
• Dean of Students: 5147

Tips

• It is rarely productive to try to handle the causes of the disruption in the classroom.
• Likewise, disciplining a student in front of others is not likely to reduce future disruptions.
• Be positive rather than negative (it seems we have two conversations going on, let’s try to focus on the topic at hand).
• Request the student’s time after class.
• If you feel you are in danger, contact DPS at 572-5500 or 572-7777. Also contact DPS if any of the following occur:
• physical threats are made against you or another student
• there is a weapon in the room
• the student appears to be unstable.
• Stay calm and do not become defensive
• Consult with your department chair or the Dean of Students
• Document everything!!!