1. Graduate Teaching Assistants Orientation 1/6/2012
Bill Woodward
Office of Counsel
x6633

2. Disruptive Students

3. Classroom Management Strategies
Preventive Techniques
Be clear about expectations re classroom behavior
Syllabus
CLASSROOM CONDUCT: All participants in the class are expected to treat others with civility and respect and to conduct themselves during class sessions in a way that does not unreasonably interfere with the opportunity of other students to learn. Failure to comply may result in up to 10 points deducted from a student’s final numerical grade
In-class explanation on first day of class
Involvement of students re setting rules
Use of a “contract”
Spell out consequences of disruptive behavior

4. Classroom Management Strategies, cont…
Dealing with “disruption” problems – what to do
Distinguish between disruptive, irritating , and dangerous behavior
Working crossword puzzles
Reading/posting to Twitter/FaceBook accounts
Answering cell phone and engaging in conversation
Threatening to choke a fellow student who “asks too many questions” in class
Reiterate standard(s) to class at large
Meet with student

5. Classroom Management Strategies, cont…
Confront persistent or severe misconduct
Provide written warning
Negotiate a voluntary withdrawal
Refer matter to disciplinary system
Seek assistance – supervisor, Dean of Students, Counseling Center, Office of Counsel
Remove student from class
Rare measure
Applies to current class session only
Contact supervisor, Chair, Associate Dean, etc.

6. Classroom Management Strategies, cont…
Dealing with “dangerous” student
Distinguish between disruptive and dangerous behavior
Call campus police

7. Classroom Management Strategies, cont…
Document disruptive events
Needed if intend to take matter to Student Judicial Board or to take action affecting students grade in the course
Prepare written memorandum without undue delay
Include detailed description of disruptive behavior
Include exact quotes where language is a factor
Include date/time and duration of disruptive events
Include the names of other students who were directly affected or were seated nearby

8. Procedural Options
A. Referral to Disciplinary System (University Judicial Board)
Various kinds of misconduct covered
Disruption of University activity
Physical abuse or violence
Two tracks
“Regular” track - Fairly lengthy screening/hearing process
“Expedited track – “exigent” circumstances w/o screening
Poses a substantial threat to persons (including himself/herself) or property or to normal institutional functions.
Interim suspension (hearing first)
Immediate suspension (hearing later)

9. Procedural Options, cont…
B. Use of Mental Health Withdrawal Process
Basis: Unable to comprehend student judicial board process, can’t distinguish right from wrong, can’t control own actions
Non-emergency situation (evaluation and hearing first)
Emergency situation (hearing later)
C. Criminal Trespass
D. Use of Academic Sanctions
Conduct standard stated in syllabus
Notice of consequences stated in syllabus