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Responding to Disruptive Student Behaviors
These suggestions derive from contacts with our faculty and with colleagues at other universities. Their purpose is to provide practical approaches for prevention and early intervention with problem behaviors. Our understanding is that faculty retain the final authority over academic and behavioral standards in their classes.
Guidelines
To establish behavior standards in the classroom, the following guidelines are recommended:
- Design the course syllabus to serve as a “contract” for both academic work and classroom behaviors.
- Clearly define academic standards and expectations for coursework, and for class participation, attendance, tardiness, and behavior that constitutes misconduct.
- Define civility during class discussions, how a student will be recognized in class for discussion purposes, and what activities are not acceptable.
- If attendance or class participation is to be used as a grading factor, a consistent method for recording these should be created and communicated.
- Include general university deadlines for add/drops, withdrawals, etc.
- Encourage students to access resources on campus, e.g., Writing Center, tutoring services, University Counseling Center, Disability Support Services. Provide contact information if possible.
- Once the semester begins, communicate (preferably in writing) to the class any revisions to course policies or expectations and the reasons for the changes.
- Students have the right to discuss and review their academic performance with you. These discussions should take place outside of the class period at a mutually agreed upon time and location to ensure privacy.
- Serve as a role model and exhibit the type of behavior you expect from your students.
Dealing with Disruptive Behaviors
When disorderly conduct occurs in the classroom, document the incident even if it appears to be minor and alert the chair of your department. This information will be important in showing a pattern of behavior in your class or across classes. Classroom management techniques for dealing with disruption include:
- If a potentially disruptive situation is developing, a general word of caution to the whole class rather than directed at a particular student may be effective in deterring the problem.
- If disorderly conduct continues, it is best to address the problem early and in private.
- If a student prevents you from moving on to another topic, take control of the discussion, express the need to cover all material, and invite the student to continue the conversation during your office hours or following class, if possible.
- Remaining calm will often de-escalate the situation. Listen carefully to what is being said and acknowledge the student’s feelings.
- Talk to the student in private when both of you have time and are not rushed or preoccupied. Give the student your undivided attention. Express your concern in behavioral, non-judgmental terms by avoiding judging, evaluating, and criticizing. It is possible that just a few minutes of effective listening on your part may be enough to remedy the situation.
- Consider giving a written warning to the student addressing your concerns, stating expectations and consequences for non-compliance, such as referral to the Office of Student Judicial Services (SJS).
- When necessary, you may request that the student leave your office or class immediately. If the student refuses to leave, you may contact the University Police Department (202-994-6111) for assistance. If necessary, remove yourself and other students from the situation.
- Immediately report the incident to your department head and UPD (202-994-6111).
- A disruptive student cannot be removed permanently from a class in which he/she is enrolled without formal review.
- Document the incident in writing, noting names of witnesses. Indicate what occurred and what was said (i.e., specific chronology of events). Note if there have been previous encounters with the student. Save and report all threatening or offensive emails, notes, phone calls/voice messages to the University Police.
- When in doubt about the appropriateness of an intervention, call the University Police Department (202-994-6111), or the University Counseling Center (202-994-5300). A student whose behavior has become threatening, violent, or significantly disruptive may need an individualized approach.
Offices Available for Additional Help:
Dean of Students
Rice Hall, 2121 Eye St., 401
202-994-6710
Office of Student Judicial Services
Floor John Quincy Adams House, 2129 Eye St.
202-994-6757
University Police Department
Woodhull House, 2033 G St.
Emergency: 202-994-6111
Non-Emergency: 202-994-6110
Adapted from the University of North Florida with their permission.
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