Responses to Disruptive Behavior

  • Clarify standards for student conduct.
  • Serve as a role model for the conduct you expect.
  • If you believe inappropriate behavior is occurring, consider a general word of caution rather than warning a particular student.
  • If the behavior is irritating but not disruptive, try speaking with the student after class.
  • There may be circumstances when it is necessary to speak to a student during class about his or her behavior. Do so in a firm yet non-threatening manner.
  • A student who persists in disrupting a class may be directed by the faculty member to leave the classroom for the remainder of the class period. The student should be told the reason(s) for such action and given an opportunity to discuss the action as soon as possible. Prompt consultation should be undertaken with the department chair and dean of students or a designee. Suspension for more than one class period requires disciplinary action.
  • If a disruption is serious and other reasonable measures have failed, the class maybe adjourned. The campus police can be summoned if necessary.

The incident report can be found here.