Conflict Resolution and Civic Responsibility

Classroom Safety: Introduction

An advisory on classroom disruption and threatening behavior by students from the Vice Provost's Office for Undergraduate Education and the Vice President’s Office for Student Success, University at Albany

All student conduct at the University at Albany is governed by the policies outlined in the handbook entitled Community Rights and Responsibilities (CRR). Classroom disruption and threatening behavior by students is a rarity at UAlbany but when it happens it is important to know how to deal with it. The following advice is offered to assist classroom instructors and staff members who are looking for guidance in dealing with a disruptive or threatening student.

1. Classroom instructors are responsible for the management of their classroom environment, including the Web environment. It is suggested that behavioral standards, tolerances, and expectations be clearly defined to students at the beginning of each semester through a course syllabus and reinforced through verbal explanation. Instructors should also be cognizant of the written behaviors of students if utilizing the web as part of the teaching environment. Any behavior that would not be seen as appropriate in the traditional classroom is not appropriate in the web environment and may lead to disciplinary action. It is suggested that open web discussions, such as bulletin boards, be monitored for inappropriate behavior/use.

   Remember, both classroom instructors and students have some measure of academic freedom. University policies on classroom disruption cannot be used to punish lawful classroom dissent. The lawful expression of a disagreement with the teacher or other students is not in itself “disruptive” behavior.

2. Examples of classroom disruption that should be viewed as a disciplinary offense as defined by Community Rights and Responsibilities, UAlbany’s Code of Student Conduct. The term “classroom disruption” means behavior a reasonable person would view as substantially or repeatedly interfering with the conduct of a class. Examples include: refusal to comply with reasonable faculty directions, repeatedly leaving and entering the classroom without authorization, making loud or distracting noises, posting inappropriate messages electronically, persisting in speaking without being recognized, repeatedly interrupting others, audio or video recording of classroom activities or the use of electronic devices (cell phones and beepers) without the permission of the instructor, or resorting to physical/verbal threats or personal insults or insulting gestures. Classroom instructors are urged to promote civility in the classroom environment and to include in their course syllabus their expectations with respect to the use of cell phones and beepers as well as reminding students to report perceived problems with classmates in the classroom. If a student is behaving in a way described above and does not heed the warning of the classroom instructor the student should be directed to leave pending a meeting with the Office of Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility.
3. The Office of Conflict Resolution & Civic Responsibility can help by reviewing university disciplinary regulations with you, and meeting with accused students formally, or informally. It's better to report disruptive incidents promptly, even if they seem minor. One of our preferred strategies is to develop behavioral contracts with students, so they have clear guidelines about what behavior is expected of them. At times, the University Counseling Center will coordinate a case conference involving faculty and staff who are concerned about a student’s behavior. The purpose of the case conference is in part to share information, determine the degree of potential risk the student may represent to self and/or others and to develop a strategic intervention as appropriate. In the most serious cases, we can suspend students temporarily, pending disciplinary proceedings or medical evaluation (CRR, page 11, VIII, # 1).

This information was compiled and reviewed by members of the Classroom Safety Task Force, an entity of the University’s Task Force on Campus Safety. The Classroom Safety Committee wish to thank the following Universities whose existing policies on classroom disruption and threatening behavior served as a guide in the development of this resource:

University of Maryland - College Park, University of Arizona, Auburn University and Colorado University.