Office of Student Care and Conduct
Effective Management of Student Behavior
In today’s world, students may exhibit behaviors that were once considered immature but now require us to consider the potential seriousness or threat of the speech or action. As a university community, we share the responsibility of assisting others when serious issues arise. Early intervention can often change the outcome(s) for students of concern. This training module provides information to guide you, as faculty and staff, through relevant policies, good practice, and discussion questions to deal with students of concern.
Objectives
- Differentiate between four levels of student behaviors of concern.
- Describe what student behaviors faculty should or must report and to whom.
- Identify federal regulations that play a part in the management of student behavior.
- List MTSU resources for assisting students who may be displaying behaviors of concern.
- Describe information concerning management of student behavior that must be included in course syllabi.
Understanding Behaviors of Concern
As a faculty or staff member, you are in an excellent position to recognize behavioral changes that may characterize a troubled student. A student’s behavior, especially if inconsistent with your previous observations, could reflect a need for intervention or be a cry for help. There can be a host of causes for student behavior, but what is critical is to be able to identify behaviors of concern. It is more important than ever for each member of the university community to work together to ensure the success of our students.
Definitions of Behaviors of Concern
Distressed Students
The behavior of the distressed student causes concern for others but mainly concern for the personal well-being of that student.
Disturbed Students
The behavior of the disturbed student often makes those around him/her feel uncomfortable and it may seem that the student is acting irrationally.
Disruptive Students
The behavior of the disruptive student may or may not include elements of distressed, disturbed, and/or dangerous behavior, but always negatively impacts those around him/her. The disruptive student makes it difficult for routine work or teaching to occur.
Dangerous Students
The behavior of the dangerous student threatens the health and well-being of those around him/her.
MTSU has established a Campus Action Response and Engagement (CARE) team that meets regularly to discuss the needs of distressed, disturbed, disruptive, and/or dangerous students. The Office of Student Care and Concern (OSCC) within the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) is the central contact for the CARE team, KUC 208 (615-898-2750).
Managing Distressed Students
Distressed students engage in behavior that concerns others. These students may be experiencing situational stressors and may or may not be demonstrating appropriate coping skills. Distressed students will often be impaired in managing their emotions or actions. Examples of distressed student behaviors include management of illness, mild substance abuse, disordered eating, inability to deal with situational stressors, and difficulty coping with trauma/more permanent stressors. If a threat is present, the threat is vague, indirect, implausible, and/or lacks detail or focus.
Speak with the student privately and document all conversations. If necessary, or as required by institutional policy, forward the documentation to the appropriate office or the CARE team via the CARE Report.
Reflective Questions
Three weeks into the semester a student who had been regularly attending begins missing class, his performance on assignments drops, and he appears listless in class. In journal entries he makes references to a significant life event (e.g., death, illness, divorce, etc).
What actions should you take to address this student’s behavior?
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- Speak to the student privately:
Instructor: “Alan, I am concerned about the sudden changes I’ve noticed in your attendance and your grades. I remember that you mentioned in your journal that you went through a major change in your life. You don’t seem to be as lively as you used to be. Are you feeling down? - Remind the student of resources available on campus that might be of assistance. In this case, you’d particularly want to reference:
- Counseling Services, located in the Keathley University Center (KUC), room 326, 615-898-2670. Services are free. Students may walk- in and make an appointment or may call ahead for an appointment. Alternatively, the faculty member may decide it would be best to walk the student directly to the Counseling Services office to insure that the student actually follows through.
- MT One Stop located on the 2nd floor of the Student Services and Admissions Center, or the appropriate college advisor or faculty advisor. This student’s faculty member might mention that they have noticed the student seems to be struggling to keep up in class and that the same might be true in other courses as well. An academic advisor can help the student with a plan for managing coursework.
- Counseling Services, located in the Keathley University Center (KUC), room 326, 615-898-2670. Services are free. Students may walk- in and make an appointment or may call ahead for an appointment. Alternatively, the faculty member may decide it would be best to walk the student directly to the Counseling Services office to insure that the student actually follows through.
A student in your class expresses concern to her instructor that she has been receiving threatening e-mail messages. She informs you that at the end of the term, she knows that she will have to see the sender of the threatening messages in her hometown.
Is she best seen as fitting the distressed, disturbed, disruptive, or dangerous category? How would you manage the situation?
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- The student is reporting that she is distressed over the e-mails. The instructor will want to speak privately with the student.
Instructor: “Jenny, it sounds like you have good reason to be frightened and distressed. I am glad you are brave enough to tell me about it. It seems to me that you may need more than my help to manage this situation–we might need some professional help to keep you safe. I know you think that he will hurt you if you tell on him but I want you to think about the possibility that he might hurt you even if you don’t tell on him. He could do this to other students as well. Do you want assistance identifying some resources to help you establish a plan for returning home?” - Remind the student of resources available on campus that might be of assistance. In this case, you’d particularly want to reference:
MTSU Police (615-898-2424)
Office of Student Care and Conduct (615-898-2750), KUC 208
Both campus departments can help the student decide on the appropriate next steps. MTSU Police can act quickly to protect the student while on campus and can help the student contact the hometown police department, as well.
Counseling Services (615-898-2670), KUC 326S. Services are free. Students may walk-in and make an appointment or may call ahead for an appointment. Alternatively, the faculty member may decide it would be best to walk the student directly to the Counseling Services office to insure that the student actually follows through.
The behavior of the disturbed student often makes those around him/her feel uncomfortable on some level. Generally, the disturbed student may seem to be acting irrationally or out of sync with the reality that others perceive. Disturbed students may engage in destructive actions, demonstrate rapid/odd speech patterns, demonstrate a decrease in self-care, engage in high-risk substance abuse or sexual activity, engage in medically dangerous behaviors, and hear voices or see things that aren’t visible to other people. If a threat is present, it is poorly planned, vague but direct, or specific but indirect.
Managing Disturbed Students
If there is no immediate threat, speak with the student privately. Document all conversations. You may want to consider having a witness present for the conversation. A witness should be a professional colleague, not another student. As required by institutional policy or as you deem necessary, forward the documentation to the appropriate office or the CARE Team via the CARE Report.
When speaking to the student, express your concern for their behavior, and set appropriate limits for their interactions with you in and out of the classroom while observing the following guidelines:
- It is generally not helpful to argue with the student(s) or try to convince him/her of their irrationality. It is also generally not helpful to “play along” and reinforce any delusions.
- It may be helpful to acknowledge the student’s feelings without supporting the misperception (e.g., “I understand that you think you are hearing voices, but I cannot hear them, and I believe you are safe.”)
- Remain calm and in control of the conversation.
Reflective Questions
A student in your class does not seem to fit in with anyone. Other students seem to avoid interaction with this student. The student acts “strange” with off-the-wall comments and actions. There is no information from Disability & Access Center regarding this student. At times you have noted fresh scratches or cuts on the student’s arms. You have also heard the student mumbling to himself as if he is talking to another person.
What action, if any, should you take?
If there is no immediate threat, speak with the student privately:
Instructor: “Jake, I am worried about you. When you say things like (cite examples) and act (cite examples), you disrupt the class. I’ve also noticed scratches or cuts on your arm, and I am not sure you are aware that some of what you say and do is worrisome to your classmates and to me. I am so concerned about you and your behavior that I need for you to make an appointment to meet with a counselor in Counseling Services. The services are free for students. We can walk over there now, and you can talk to a counselor. Jake, if nothing changes and your actions continue to disrupt this class, I can dismiss you from class for the rest of that period. You would then need to meet with the Assistant Dean of Students before you can return to this class.”
Document all conversations as well as each incident of inappropriate behavior.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
A student is showing actions that do not fit societal norms (e.g., abnormal clothing, straying from discussion topic, making bizarre statements, etc.), but there is no realization from the student that he is not adaptable to classroom or campus rules. The student’s physical appearance has changed over the last few weeks. The student now comes to class looking dirty with matted hair, and he has a distinct odor about his person.
How would you manage this student situation?
If there is no immediate threat, speak with the student privately:
Instructor: “Bart, I want to make you aware that some of what you say and do disrupts the class. For example,…. (cite examples). This type of behavior is disruptive. I am concerned for you. I have noticed a change in your physical appearance and upkeep. I am concerned enough about you to ask you to talk with a counselor in Counseling Services (located in KUC 326 at 615-898-2670) or with a counselor in the community.
Despite my concerns for your wellbeing, if your actions continue to disrupt the class, I will dismiss you from class for the remainder of the period. You would need to meet with the Assistant Dean of Students before you would be able to return to this class”.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
The behavior of the disruptive student may or may not include elements of distressed, disturbed, and/or dangerous behavior, but always negatively impacts those around him/her. The disruptive student makes it difficult for routine work or teaching to occur. Disruptive behavior includes any intentional interference with the normal classroom procedure or the presentation of the instructor and/or other students. Disruptive behavior is a potential violation of the University Disciplinary Rules. Signs are:
- Behavior which persistently interferes with effective class management
- Frequent or high levels of irritable, unruly, abrasive, or aggressive behavior, including argumentative questioning or monopolizing of classroom discussion.
- Bizarre behavior that is obviously inappropriate for the situation (e.g., talking to something/someone that is not present)
- Questioning an instructor’s authority in front of the class.
Managing Disruptive Students
- If there is no immediate threat, speak with the student privately. Document all conversations.
- Avoid escalating the situation; speak calmly and with concern. Avoid physical contact.
- Express your concern for their behavior, and set appropriate limits for their interactions with you in and out of the classroom.
- If the student is uncooperative in leaving the classroom, contact MTSU Campus Police at 615-898-2424. Your first call should be to MTSU Campus Police, prior to calling your academic administrator or other designated personnel.
- Document each incident of inappropriate behavior and any witnesses to each incident.
- If the student poses an immediate danger to others, you may choose to dismiss the class while waiting for police intervention. Use good judgment to protect your safety and the safety of others.
- If the student is disruptive in class, s/he may be asked to leave the classroom for the remainder of the period. In such a case, the faculty member should contact the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 for further instructions regarding the student’s potential return to the classroom.
- If the student is to be removed for longer than the remainder of the class period, faculty must contact the Office of Student Care and Conduct to file a conduct referral so that the incident can be addressed per required due process procedures.
Reflective Questions
A student comes to class late on a regular basis and “makes an entrance” when she arrives. She brings food and drink to class and when she finishes her snack, she arbitrarily gets up to throw the food containers away while making a commotion. During a lecture, she will often say “that’s dumb” in response to others’ comments. Other students give her “looks” that indicate “straighten up”, but to no avail.
How would you manage this student and her impact on your classroom?
- If there is no immediate threat, speak to the student privately. Speak calmly and with concern, avoid escalating the situation and avoid physical contact.
Instructor: “Mallory, I need to talk to you about some of the things you say and do in class. For example…(cite examples). These behaviors are disruptive. I need for you to change your behavior in class. You need to arrive on time for every class period and to enter the classroom quietly. During the class period, listen without interrupting while your classmates ask questions or make contributions to class. I believe you can manage your behavior well enough to routinely wait your turn before making relevant comments, including constructive criticism”.
“I want to make you aware that if you continue to say and do things which disrupt the class that I can dismiss you from class. You would then need to meet with the Assistant Dean of Students before you could return to the next class period. - Document all conversations and each incident of inappropriate/disruptive behavior. If the behavior persisted, you would need to make a conduct referral.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
A student speaks loudly and has a comment after almost every sentence made by the instructor. The instructor tries to continue with the lecture and questioning of other students in the class and ignores the disruptions. The student continually asks the instructor the same question repeatedly (over ten times) in one class session.
How would you manage the situation?
- If there is no immediate threat, speak with the student privately about their disruptive behavior.
- Document each conversation and each incident of disruptive behavior:
- Instructor: “Sam, I need to talk to you about your behavior in class. In particular, you…(cite the problem behaviors). These behaviors disrupt the class. Are you aware that the way you behave is disruptive?
Can you stop doing the things I just mentioned? You have a resource on campus that can provide you help if you feel that you cannot manage behaviors that disrupt this class. Counseling Services is located in KUC 326; the phone number is 615-898-2670.
Sam, you also need to be aware that I can dismiss you from a class period if you continue to be disruptive. You would then need to meet with the Assistant Dean of Students before you return to this class”.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
The behavior of the dangerous student threatens the health and well-being of those around him/her. Dangerous behavior severely disrupts and impacts others and is ACTIVELY dangerous. There is an imminent threat. Examples include actual affective, impulsive violence or direct threats of violence. Direct threats of violence are concrete, consistent, and plausible.
Managing Dangerous Students
Contact Campus Police at 615-898-2424 immediately.
- If the student poses an immediate danger to others, you may choose to dismiss the class while waiting for police intervention.
- Avoid physical contact.
- Do not delay assistance by calling counselors or other administrators for assistance. The first call should be to law enforcement.
- Use good judgment to protect your safety and the safety of others. Do not attempt to keep the student from leaving the classroom.
- Avoid escalating the situation; speak calmly and with concern.
- Document the incident including any witnesses that were present and submit a conduct referral.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
Reflective Questions
A student writes a paper that clearly indicates violence against individuals who are homosexual which includes the following statement: “If it’s the last thing I do, I will kill my homosexual classmates.”
How would you handle this situation? Would you report the matter and forward the paper to any other institutional office (e.g., counseling, student affairs, law enforcement, student assistance coordinating team, etc).
- Report the incident to your academic administrator/other designated personnel.
- Report the situation to the Office of Student Care and Conduct for assistance in determining the student’s eligibility to remain in your class/the university.
- Contact Campus Police, 615-898-2424.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
A student continually makes comments to others about the weapons she has and how “nobody’s going to tell me what to do!” The student has been openly hostile in class. The student gets angry over an in-class assignment and tells the instructor, “I am going to shoot you in the face.”
How would you manage the situation?
- Calmly dismiss the class. Contact Campus Police, 615-898-2424 for immediate intervention.
- Report the behavior to your academic administrator/other designated personnel.
- Report the situation to the Office of Student Care and Conduct, 615-898-2750. The Assistant Dean of Students will assist you in determining the student’s eligibility to remain in your classroom/the university.
To report this student of concern to the CARE Team call the Office of Student Care and Conduct at 615-898-2750 and/or fill out a CARE Report. The CARE Team will gather available information about a particular student of concern and make decisions about possible appropriate interventions.
The instructor has the primary responsibility for managing classroom behavior. The instructor is expected to outline behavioral expectations for each class at the beginning of the academic term and as needed throughout the semester. Behavioral expectations and standards should be included in the class syllabus and discussed at the first class meeting to set the pace for the semester. Communicating classroom behavioral expectations and standards in a syllabus will promote student retention and provide a basis for accountability and disciplinary action, should that become necessary.
The instructor can order the temporary removal or exclusion of any student engaged in disorderly/disruptive conduct from the classroom. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom beyond the session in which the conduct occurred or further disciplinary action can be effected only through appropriate procedures of the University. If an instructor wishes to remove a student from the classroom for a longer period of time or permanently, he/she must refer the student to the Office of Student Care and Conduct and submit a conduct referral.
Suggested Items for Inclusion on Syllabus
- Policy regarding attendance, punctuality and tardiness, including consequences.
- Statement regarding appropriate behavior between student and instructor and/or classmates.
- Appropriate expectations for instructor time and attention inside and outside of classroom. General policies regarding communication with instructor, including instructor office hours and location, appointments and drop-in policy, phone number / e-mail address and policy regarding returning telephone calls and e-mail communication.
- Statement regarding conflict resolution in the classroom (e.g., how to discuss differences/disagreements with the instructor and other students). General policy on eating, drinking, smoking in class.
- General policy regarding children and visitors in class.
- General policy regarding breaks and leaving and entering class at other than break time(s).
- General policy on plagiarism.
- General policy regarding cell phones, pagers, laptop computers, PDA’s.
- Statement regarding reasonable accommodation for documented students with disabilities:
While the faculty and staff are expected to manage classroom behavior, resources are available to assist you. You can consult with staff members in the Office of Student Care and Conduct if you are unsure what course of action is appropriate for the given situation or if you just need advice on dealing with a difficult student.
