For Faculty
Prevention
The best time to deal with disruption is before it begins. Faculty can take steps to reduce the likelihood of disruptive behaviors in the classroom.
- Explicitly state expectations for conduct in the syllabus. Include specifics, such as "turn off pagers and cell phones before entering the classroom." Explain consequences for inappropriate behavior.
- Review these expectations with students during the first class meeting.
- Model respectful communication with your students.
- Facilitate respectful exchange of ideas among your students.
- Respond to problems consistently and in a timely manner.
Handling Classroom Disruptions
In cases of IMMEDIATE THREAT to you or others, call Campus Public Safety 502-725-5911. Otherwise:
- Have a private conversation with the student to discuss the disruptions you are observing, and possible remedies for the situation.
- Follow up with a written summary to the student, re-stating your expectations and consequences for continued disruption.
- Students who chronically disrupt classes and interfere with the learning environment may be asked to leave the class. Campus Public Safety may be called to remove the student if necessary.
- Consulting your Department Chair or College Dean may be helpful in developing a plan for dealing with a disruptive student.
- Faculty can consult with the Dean of Student Life and may consider filing a Complaint of Misconduct with the Office of the Dean of Student Life.
- Formal disciplinary action may include disciplinary reprimand, probation, suspension, or dismissal.
- Keep records of the difficulties, and your efforts to resolve them, including all written communication. These will be helpful in the case of formal actions.
Need to talk to someone?
Faculty are educators and academicians. Being forced into another role--such as counselor or friend--by a student situation can be uncomfortable, and is outside the range of faculty responsibility. In such situations, consider consulting with campus resources that may be helpful in resolving issues with the student. A range of support and information services is available to faculty and to students.
Disability Resource Center consultation regarding equal access to education and maintaining academic standards
SHAC Counseling Services consultation regarding mental health issues, mental disorders, working with disturbed and disturbing students, crisis debriefing
Office of the Dean of Student Life information and support regarding application of the Code of Student Conduct and Responsibility
Although some disruptive students may have emotional or mental disorders and thus are disabled and protected under the Rehabilitation Act/ADA, they are held to the same standards of conduct as all other students.