Guidelines for Managing Inappropriate Behavior in the Classroom

The following is to help you with the proper procedures if any of the following types of behavior happen in your classroom.

Physical Assault

Never put yourself in a harmful situation!

1. Call the Police Department immediately at 9-1-1.
2. Have the students in the class move into the hallway away from the situation.
3. File a report to send to the Dean of Student Affairs Office, attention University Judicial Officer.
4. Notify your department chair.

Psychological/Emotional Emergency or Inappropriate Outbursts in the Classroom

This could be anything from panic attacks, violent outbursts or emotional outburst that do not cease. If the student has violent outburst or panic attacks, call the police immediately at 9-1-1.

1. Ask the student to stop the behavior and to talk with the professor after the class.
2. If the behavior doesn’t stop, ask the student to leave the class.
3. If the student doesn’t comply, call the Police Department at 9-1-1.
4. File a report and send to Dean of Student Affairs Office, attention University Judicial Officer.
5. Notify your department chairperson.

Serious Injury, Illness or Accident (Includes Alcohol or Drug Related)

Do not touch the student or any bodily fluids for their safety and yours. Do not transport student(s) to the hospital!

1. Call the Police Department 9-1-1.
2. Notify the Dean of Student Affairs office.
3. Advise the student of campus resources according to his/her needs. (i.e./Counseling Center, Health Services)
4. File a report and send to Dean of Student Affairs office, Attention University Judicial Officer.
5. Notify your department chairperson.

Bias-Related Statements

Any language or other acts that are harassing/intimidating and directed towards individuals or groups because of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disability.

1. Be supportive of the victim. If they feel threatened, intimidated or harassed, or if a crime has been committed, advise them to contact the Police Department and report the incident.
2. Confront the student doing this inappropriate behavior to stop this behavior and to speak with them after class.
3. If the behavior doesn’t stop, ask the student to leave the class.
4. If the student doesn’t comply, call the Police Department 9-1-1.
5. File a report and send to Dean of Student Affairs Office, attention University Judicial Officer.
6. Notify your department chairperson.

The form for the documentation of inappropriate behavior is in the appendix of this handbook.

Provost, June 2007; Updated July 2011; Updated June 2012