Responding when disruption occurs:

If you believe inappropriate behavior is occurring, you could start by cautioning the whole class rather than warning a particular student. You could stop class and share your concern (e.g. side conversations, cell phones).  If you need to speak to an individual student about disruptive behavior, try to do so as privately as possible, perhaps in the hallway or after class in a discreet manner.  If the situation requires an immediate response in class, calmly and courteously ask the student to stop the conduct and to speak with you after class or during office hours. After you meet with the student, send a brief email to the student stating your expectations and advising the student that if the disruptive behavior continues, you will need to report them to the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs (OSSJA).

A student should be asked to leave class if they engage in disruptive behavior that impedes your ability to teach the class productively.  If the student’s refusal to leave creates a safety risk or makes it impossible to continue class, you may also dismiss class for the day.  If this happens, contact OSSJA as soon as you can.

If a student is persistently disruptive, refer them to OSSJA for further follow-up and possible disciplinary action. Please note that a disruptive student cannot be permanently removed from a class without a formal review through the student disciplinary process.

Edited 3/12/22 by mfd