We rarely have a problem with disruptive behavior in classes, but it is a good idea to be ready to deal with it should it occur.

If at any time you think yourself or your students are in danger, call the Public Safety Emergency number (911) immediately. But inappropriate student conduct can be disrupting without being dangerous. If a student is behaving inappropriately in a way that disrupts or disturbs the teaching of a course or the learning of students, follow the procedures outlined below.

• Make sure the student knows the behavior is not appropriate; talk to him or her and explain what would be appropriate. (If you do not know the identity of the student, discuss appropriate behavior with the class and attempt to identify the student.) On the second occurrence, write the student a letter and forward a copy to the program director.
• Document inappropriate behavior whenever it occurs and especially if it is repeated. Describe the behavior with dates, names, and circumstances. You may ask another instructor or the director of the program to observe your class if you wish.
• Bring the issue to the awareness of the program director or the department chair. If the behavior continues, the next step will be a meeting with the student, you, and the director, followed by a letter to the student summarizing the meeting, identifying the inappropriate behavior, and setting out expectations for changed behavior. The student will be informed at this stage that continued misbehavior will result in removal from the class.
• If the inappropriate behavior does not stop, the chair will request the dean and the provost to have the student removed from the class.

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