If a student disrupts the learning environment within the classroom setting, instructors have the responsibility taddress the behavior in order tmaintain a civil and respectful environment conducive tproductive learning.
Examples of Disruptive Behavior:
- Frequently arriving late tclass
- Continually leaving and re-entering class without permission
- Loud and distracting noises.
- Talking with others or talking aloud tnone in particular
- Cell phones and pagers
- Munching on chips
- Texting, or using electronic devices for reasons not related tthe course
- Continually interrupting instructor, or other students
- Sleeping in class, or poor personal hygiene
- Comments that are:
- Antagonistic or inappropriately argumentative
- Openly rude or inappropriately critical
- Threatening or Abusive
Prevention of Classroom Disruption
- Make expectations for classroom discussion and conduct clear in the first class.
- Consider adding a statement in your syllabus.
- Example: "Since every student is entitled tfull participation in class without interruption, all students are expected tbe in class and prepared tbegin on time. All pagers, wireless phones, or other electronic devices must be turned off, or switched tvibrate, when you enter the classroom. Students are expected ttreat the instructor and other students with dignity and respect, especially in cases where a diversity of opinion arises. Students whengage in disruptive behavior are subject tdisciplinary action, including removal from the course."
Responding to Disruptive Behavior
As noted in the policies found in the catalog, faculty members have the authority and responsibility taddress disruptive behavior.
- Instructors should address the behavior with the student and clarify expectations.
- If the student continues tdisrupt class after being advised tstop, the instructor may remove the student from that class session.
- Instructors should refer persistent offenders tthe Academic Dean (or dept. head) for possible permanent removal from the course.
- In cases of threats of violence or other extreme behavior, instructors should, as noted in the policies, contact Public Safety, and/or the military or local police. (For those teaching at extended metropolitan or military sites, your director will provide specific information.)
- The academic dean (or his/her designee) will review the evidence, talk with the student, and make a decision concerning the possible removal of the student from the course.
- Instructors can consult with the Student Affairs Judicial Officer, Maureen Stroer. She can be reached at (314) 968-6980. Her email address is email@example.com.
- Documentation of the disruptive behavior should be sent tthe Dean of Students office at the Webster Groves campus for placement in the student's file.
- Students should be referred tStudent Affairs for judicial proceedings if their behavior takes place outside of the classroom setting. This would include misconduct in an electronic format (e.g., harassing or threatening e-mail). Should this occur, keep copies of messages.
The full set of policies and procedures can be found at these links:
Main campus policies
Extended campus policies