TMCC Dealing with Disruptive Students Manual

TMCC  Dealing with Disruptive Students Page | 4 January 6, 2017 TMCC is an EEO/AA institution. See http://eeo.tmcc.edu for more information. 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 conditions attributed to physical or psychological disabilities are not considered a legitimate excuse for disruptive behavior. Guidelines for Dealing with Disruptive Students For An Ounce of Prevention… 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. • Ask your department chair to invite the Student Life and Development Office and/or Counseling Center to departmental meetings to talk about dealing with difficult students in the classroom. • Consult with the Student Life and Development Office as situations occur to discuss potential options and referrals, e.g. Counseling, Disability Resource Center and Financial Aid.