DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR ON THE RISE  On college campuses, the term "disruptive behavior" is most commonly associated with large-scale demonstrations and protests.  There is, however, another form of misconduct on campus which is seldom reported by the media but which causes individual faculty members considerably more personal turmoil—disruptive behavior in the classroom.

The climate of higher education has changed over the past few decades, and faculty are now faced with serious issues of classroom behavior that were previously of little concern. 

Unfortunately, instructors frequently fail to address the disruptive behavior of students, because they may (1) be unsure how to handle the situation, (2) fear legal or physical retaliation from the student, and/or (3) conclude that reporting the disruptive behavior will cause emotional pain to an already fragile or unstable person.  Failure to address disruptive behavior, however, is likely to encourage further disruption, as it sends the messages that such behavior is not problematic and that university personnel are indifferent to it.

The following information is designed to provide UDC's faculty with appropriate, effective, and legally sound principles for dealing with disruptive student behavior, especially that which occurs in the classroom.  The goal is to help you more confidently, fairly, and safely address incidents of disruption in a manner that discourages future such behavior while retaining the dignity of the campus environment.    

EXAMPLES OF DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR  Disruptive behavior is defined as repeated, continuous, and/or multiple student behaviors that hamper the ability of instructors to teach and students to learn.  Common examples of disruptive behaviors include, but are not limited to:

• Eating in class

• Monopolizing classroom discussions

• Failing to respect the rights of other students to express their viewpoints

• Talking when the instructor or others are speaking

• Constant questions or interruptions which interfere with the instructor's presentation

• Overt inattentiveness (e.g., sleeping or reading the paper in class)

• Creating excessive noise with papers, book bags, etc.

• Entering class late or leaving early

• Use of pagers or cell phones in the classroom

• Inordinate or inappropriate demands for time and attention

• Poor personal hygiene (e.g., noticeably offensive body odor)  

More extreme examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Use of profanity or pejorative language

• Intoxication

• Verbal abuse (e.g., taunting, badgering, intimidation)

• Harassment (e.g., use of "fighting words," stalking)

• Threats to harm oneself or others

• Physical violence (e.g., shoving, grabbing, assault, use of weapons)

It is important to remember that even such conditions as physical or psychological disabilities are not considered a legitimate excuse for disruptive behavior.

PREVENTION OF DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR  Perhaps the best thing faculty can do to address disruptive student behavior is to create an environment in which it is unlikely to occur.  For example, an instructor should:
Serve as a model by demonstrating appropriate, respectful, and responsible behavior in all interactions with students.

• Use the class syllabus to inform students in writing of standards and expectations for classroom conduct and of possible consequences for disruptive behavior.

• Devote time during the first class to review this information in the syllabus.

RESPONDING TO DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR  Some suggestions for dealing with the disruptive student behavior are:  

• A general word of caution directed to the class rather than at an identified student may effectively deter the disruptive behavior.

• Deal with the disruptive behavior immediately.  Ignoring the behavior will likely cause it to increase.

• Work against the human tendency to take the disruptive behavior personally.  The behavior usually has little to do with you, and you are simply the unfortunate target of it.

• If the student's behavior is irritating, but not particularly disruptive, consider talking with the student privately after class.  If you feel unsafe being alone with the student for some reason, request that a colleague or your department chair attend the meeting.

•  If it is necessary to deal with a student's behavior during class, you should calmly but firmly inform the student that the behavior is disruptive and ask that it be stopped.  Example:  "Your use of your cell phone is bothering me and disrupting the class.  Please end your conversation now and refrain from in-class phone calls in the future."

• If the disruptive behavior continues during either the present or some future class, warn the student (perhaps in private) that such behavior may result in student disciplinary action.  If the student continues the disruptive behavior despite this warning, the student should then be asked to leave the classroom.  Following the class, the instructor should contact his or her department chair.

• If the student refuses to leave the classroom after being instructed to do so, s/he should be informed that this refusal is a separate instance of disruptive behavior subject to additional penalties.

• If the student continues to refuse to leave the classroom, the instructor may choose to adjourn class for the day.

• Keep a log of the date, time, and nature of all incidents of disruptive behavior and any meetings you have with the student.  Document incidents and meetings immediately, while specifics and details are still fresh in your memory.

• Keep your department chair informed as the situation develops.  Ask for guidance and support from her/him and from colleagues.

RECOMMENDED READING  Coping with Misconduct in the College Classroom: A Practical Model by Gerald Armada (1999).  Asheville, N.C.:  College Administration Publications, Inc.

CRISIS SITUATIONS

If a disruptive student is threatening  to harm you or other students, immediately dismiss the class and inform the Campus Police (202) 274-5050 

In general, if you sense that a disruptive situation is escalating and that a student may pose a physical threat to you or other students:

Maintain a safe distance and do not turn your back to the student.

Unless you are under physical attack, do not touch the student or the student's belongings.  Initiating physical touch may be interpreted by an agitated student as an assault.

Use a calm, non-confrontational approach to defuse the situation.  Example:  "Please lower your voice.  We can't continue to talk if you threaten me."
If a threat of harm is present, do not mention disciplinary action or police intervention.  If you have already mentioned these, work to refocus the student's attention away from the future consequences of her/his behavior.  Example:  "You've raised some important issues.  I need to consult with my department chair to see what we can do."

Remember, if the disruptive student threatens to harm you, other students, or her/himself immediately dismiss the class and inform the Campus Police (202) 274-5050  The Police will investigate the threats, warn intended victims if necessary, and determine whether the student may have committed a crime.  It may also be a good idea to ask the Police to contact the Center about the incident or to make contact yourself (202) 274-6000.