PURDUE UNIVERSITY CALUMET GUIDELINES FOR FACULTY

IN HANDLING STUDENT DISRUPTION IN THE CLASSROOM:

TOWARD A MODEL OF COMMUNITY CIVILITY

 

Preamble

 

Purdue University Calumet supports the principles of freedom of expression for both faculty and students.  The University respects the rights of faculty to teach and students to learn.  Maintenance of these rights requires classroom conditions that do not impede the learning process.  Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in such behavior may be subject to disciplinary action.

Definition of Civility

Purdue University Calumet places a priority on student learning. We value the inherent worth and dignity of every person, thereby fostering a community of mutual respect.  We believe that in order to achieve these ideals, all Purdue University Calumet students are expected, while in the role as student or representative of the university, to exhibit and practice civil behaviors, defined as behaviors that:

  1. Respect faculty, staff, fellow students, guests, and all university property, policies, rules and regulations
  2. Take responsibility for one’s choices and actions
  3. Accept consequences of one’s inappropriate choices and actions
  4. Communicate in a professional and courteous manner in all forms, and at all times, whether verbal, non-verbal or written

Other Definitions

1.          Classroom shall include any gathering of faculty member(s) and students for the purposes of teaching and learning authorized by Purdue University Calumet or any of its units.

2.          Faculty member shall include all persons authorized by Purdue University Calumet or any of its units to conduct instruction of students enrolled in the University's courses or programs.

3.          Obstruction or Disruption of a University activity meansunlawful or objectionable acts or conduct (1) which seriously threaten the ability of the University to maintain its facilities available for performance of its educational activities, (2) which are in violation of the reasonable rules and standards of the University designed to protect the academic community from unlawful conduct, or (3) which present a serious threat to person or property of the academic community. *

4.          University activity means any teaching, research, administrative, disciplinary function, proceedings, ceremony, or activity conducted by or under the authority of the University. *

5.          University property means property owned, controlled, used, or occupied by the University. *

Faculty Rights and Responsibilities

Faculty has the right and responsibility to define expected classroom behavior consistent with university policy, as well as address and manage disruptive student behavior.

Faculty reserves the right to make adjustments to classroom behavior expectations at any given time.

Recommended Guidelines for Managing and Addressing Student Incivility in the Classroom: 

 

  1. Include a clear statement of behavior expectations as part of your syllabus, and also explain them at the first class.

The most important step in managing and/or addressing classroom student behavior is to define behavior expectations at the first class and reinforce (communicate) them throughout the semester, or as needed. Many problems arise in the classroom when there is a difference of opinion in what is acceptable behavior in the classroom.  A student may assume certain types of behaviors are appropriate and then proceed to practice them in the classroom.  You, as the instructor, think they are not.  As the instructor, you are the authority in the classroom and it is your expectations, as consistent with university policy, which must be followed.  Therefore, define your expectations and explain them to your students so that all students, newly admitted and other, will know acceptable standards of classroom behavior in our university setting.  Consult addendum for sample wording on syllabus regarding civility.

 

  1. Reinforce behavior expectations by explaining them, and therefore reinforcing them (communicate) throughout the semester, or as needed.

Because students may enter the university without adequate knowledge of the behaviors that are appropriate to our educational environment, you may need to educate and remind them of the expectations. 

  1. Explain that your clearly defined statement of behavior expectations is not an exhaustive list; therefore, no disruptive behavior will be tolerated.

Disruptive behavior is a violation of the Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals,andmay be sanctioned under these regulations. The latest copy of the Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals is available on-line at www.calumet.purdue.edu/stuserv/student-handbook.pdf.

* Taken from the Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals

 

 

 

 

 

 


Recommended Progressive Approach to Handling Disruption in the Classroom

 

We recommend a progressive approach; however, there are some behaviors that may require more immediate and severe action, including dismissing the class or calling the University Police.  Faculty may go directly to step three, if needed.  Some examples of when this may occur could include but is not limited to the following: physical violence is being threatened, has erupted, appears imminent, and/or loud arguments have ensued, to the point that the entire integrity of the educational environment has been seriously diminished or compromised.  Actions addressing the disruptive behavior will be recorded on the Handling Disruption in the Classroom form (see addendum).

1st Incident of Disruptive Behavior

When a student engages in disruptive actions after you have defined and explained appropriate classroom behavior, call the entire class to order and review the behavioral expectations again.  Remind the class that your list is not exhaustive and no disruptive behavior will be tolerated. Ask the student to stay after class and verbally warn the student about the identified behavior.

Record disruption and discussion/action on Handling Disruption in the Classroom form, give the student a copy, keep a copy as part of your files, and forward the original document to the department. Also, refer the student to their copy of Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals.

2nd Incident of Disruptive Behavior

Personal, Specific Warning

Tell the student very clearly that they must stop the disruptive behavior immediately. Ask the student to stay after class and document the specific disruptive behavior exhibited on Handling Disruption in the Classroom form, give the student a copy, keep a copy as part of your files, and forward the original document to the department. Also, refer student to the copy of the Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals.

If after receiving the Handling Disruption in the Classroom form, the student wants to discuss the incident, have him or her schedule an appointment to speak with you about it.

3rd Incident of Disruptive Behavior

Action Taken

            If disruptive behavior continues, the instructor will petition for action to be taken             as follows:      

o        Administratively Withdraw student from class (must have signature approval of Dept. Head or Dean).  Student may appeal.  See Appeal Process.

or

o        Administratively Withdraw student from class (must have signature approval of Dept. Head or Dean and send to the Dean of Students Office for further discussion/actions).  Student may appeal.  See Appeal Process. 

or

o        Change student to another section with knowledge and permission of instructor, department head and/or Dean, or

o        Other action as deemed necessary

Explain ___________________________________________________

Record disruption and discussion/action on Handling Disruption in the Classroom form, give the student a copy, keep a copy as part of your files, and forward the original document to the department. Also, refer the student to their copy of Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals.

Appeal Process

Student may appeal in writing within 24 hours of the withdrawal notification.  Student must appeal in writing to the Office Dean of Students.  Decision will be at the discretion of the Dean of Students or designee and will be determined thusly: is it more likely than not that the student was disruptive in the classroom?  All appeal decisions will be final.  The burden of proof is on the student to prove disruption did not occur.  Student will be notified of a decision within 24 hours after receipt of the appeal in the Dean of Students Office.  The Dean of Students office is located in Room 105 Lawshe Hall.

 

When to Call the University Police?

If, at any time, a student is posing a threat of violence or unlawful behavior to him/herself or others by being verbally or physically abusive, aggressive, or refusing to leave the classroom upon your request, call, or instruct a student to call, the University Police immediately. Any threat of violence should be taken seriously. Err on the side of caution. Dial 2911 University Police Emergency from any phone on campus. If calling from a non-campus phone, dial 989-2911.  Police are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office acts as the Chief Judicial branch of the University as outlined in the Regulations Governing Student Conduct, Disciplinary Proceedings and Appeals. Faculty should not hesitate to consult with the Dean of Students on handling classroom disruptions or on students’ rights.  The contact number is 989-4141. Also, feel free to contact your academic department head for information and/or assistance.

Counseling Center

A primary purpose of the Counseling Center is to provide counseling and psychotherapy to PUC students experiencing emotional concerns. Counseling Center personnel are also available to consult with staff and faculty members on how to help emotionally distressed students. The contact number is 989-2366.


ADDENDUM

 

Sample Syllabus Language

 

In order to effectively communicate behavioral expectations to students,

it is recommended that the following language be included in each course syllabus:

Classroom behavior

Students are expected to comply with University regulations regarding civility, attendance, and appropriate classroom behavior.  Some specific examples of disruptive behavior that may not be tolerated in this class are:

Cellular phones and beepers   

Eating or drinking in the classroom   

Chewing or popping gum in class   

Excessive tardiness   

Leaving the lecture early   

Leaving the lecture and coming back with food and/or drink   

Missing deadlines   

Prolonged chattering   

Reading newspapers during class   

Sleeping   

Shuffling backpacks and notebooks noisily   

Coming to class inebriated   

Bringing children to class and they are disruptive   

Noisily packing up to go when class is not over

 

The preceding list of disruptive behaviors is intended as an example only. Faculty may select, add to or delete from this list as they prepare their individual syllabi.

Faculty reserves the right to make adjustments to classroom behavior expectations at any given time.

 

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ADDENDUM

Handling Disruption in the Classroom

 

FROM:   __________________________________________________

                          Instructor Name

 

RE:          ___________________________________________________

                          Student Name

 

                ______________________   __________________   _________________

                           Student ID                 CRN-Course-Section       Semester/Year  

 

Instructions: Record disruption and action. Give student a copy of form and forward original copy to the department for review/action and placement in the student’s file.

 1st Incident of Disruptive Behavior: Explain______________________________________

   ­­­­____ Verbal Warning and Discussion

2nd Incident of Disruptive Behavior: Explain_______________________________________

   ____   Written Warning and Discussion

3rd Incident of Disruptive Behavior: Explain_______________________________________

        Please indicate action to be taken:

 

___  Administratively withdraw student from class (must have signature approval of Dept. Head or Dean).  Student may appeal.  See Appeal Process.

___  Administratively withdraw student from class (must have signature approval of Dept. Head or Dean and refer to Dean of Students for further discussion/action).  Student may appeal.  See Appeal Process.

___  Change student to another section (with knowledge and permission of instructor, Dept.

        Head/Dean).

___  Other action as deemed necessary.

        Explain________________________________________________________________

        ______________________________________________________________________

       

 

Faculty Signature:_________________________________________  Date:____________

 

Other Approval: __________________________________________ Date: ____________

 

Student Signature Acknowledges Receipt of Notice:_______________________________  Date:________________

 

Student Comments:__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________