Disruptive Behavior can be defined as any behavior that disturbs, interferes with, disrupts, or prevents any normal operations and functions of the University. As the primary function of the University is education, "normal operations" would include teaching, classroom activities, and a student's right to pursue educational opportunities.

In addition, classroom disruptive behavior may violate our Honor Code. Section II.C.1.m. of the Instrument of Student Judicial Governance states that students are prohibited from "Engaging in conduct within a University classroom that substantially disrupts the academic environment." (See http://instrument.unc.edu). Some behaviors may actually violate locate, state, or federal law.

Classroom misconduct may be a result of factors related to a student's current mental state, however this should not be a reason to "excuse" a student for his or her misconduct.

It is very important to seek guidance in handling cases of classroom misconduct. Current case law in higher education has been fairly consistent in setting higher standards of due process in conduct cases involving students than in academic cases.

Some Strategies for Addressing and Responding to Disruptive Behavior

• Set clear expectations at the beginning of the course in regards to expected conduct of all students. This can be done in your syllabus by setting standards for attendance, cell phone and pager usage, tone of discussions, respect for differences of opinion. Also note that all students are expected to abide by the Honor Code and explain what this requires.
  
  
• State in writing possible consequences for students who do not abide by your stated expectations. Be fair and consistent when addressing possible problems and determining consequences.
  
  
• If the disruption is a low-level one, you may want to address the entire class instead of singling out certain individuals.
  
  
• If a particular student is being disruptive, calmly and respectfully ask him or her to stop their behavior. It is best to speak to the student privately. You may want to set a meeting for the two of you to speak. During this meeting, share with the student your expectations of classroom conduct and how you perceive that his or her conduct is not in line with your expectations.
  
  
• During the meeting, allow the student to share his or her feelings and perceptions about the conduct in question. Emphasize to the student that if the disruptive behavior does not stop, disciplinary action will have to be taken.
  
  
• If the behavior continues, ask the student to leave the class for the day and inform them that the incident will be turned over to the Honor System for disciplinary action.
  
  
• Be sure to document any serious incidents and share with your department head. You and your department chair are always welcome to consult with the Office of the Dean of Students.
  

If a Student Seems Dangerous…

• Call for assistance immediately if you feel threatened in any way or if the student is threatening to harm him/herself or others. Contact campus police at 962-8100 or 911.
  
  
• Try to find a quiet place to speak with the student. Make sure that you do not isolate yourself with the student. Consider asking a colleague to sit in on the meeting with you.
  
  
• Use a calm, non-confrontational tone and do not make physical contact with the student.
  
  
• Set clear limits with the student regarding what particular behavior needs to stop. For example, "I need you to lower your voice so we can talk."
  
  
• In emergency situations, the Office of the Dean of Students may suspend a student from class pending the results of a psychological evaluation and committee review or until criminal proceedings have been completed. For more information about the Emergency Evaluation and Action process, please go to http://deanofstudents.unc.edu and look under "Policies".

More Pointers

Set Expectations Make expectations of classroom conduct a clearly articulated part of your course expectations in your syllabus. Remind students of these expectations throughout the semester.

Address Do not hesitate to address a potential problem early. The earlier that you address a potential problem, the less likely that it will develop into a more serious problem.

Consult Reach out to the resources available to you: your department chair, your dean, Counseling and Psychological Services, Campus Police, Office of the Dean of Students for feedback and suggestions.

Document The more information that you can document about the behavior and your conversations with the student, the better. Even if the situation is resolved, the documentation may be needed if there is another incident in the future.

Trust Your Instincts Do not put yourself or other students in any type of danger. If you feel the situation is getting out of control and may become dangerous, contact Campus Police immediately.

Resources

Public Safety: 962-8100 or 911
Office of the Dean of Students: 966-4042
After Hours: 911 will contact the DOS staff member on call

Email:
Asst. Vice Chancellor, Winston Crisp, wbcrisp@email.unc.edu

Advocacy, Sexual Harassment/Sexual Assault
Assistant Dean, Melinda Manning, manning@email.unc.edu

Alcohol/Drug Intervention, Community Relations
Assistant Dean, Dean Blackburn, blackbrn@email.unc.edu

Honor Code
Assistant Dean, Jonathan Sauls, jsauls@email.unc.edu

Counseling and Wellness Services: 966-3658
Staff members from CWS can come present to groups of faculty and staff on topics such as how to work with depressed and anxious students.