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Disruptive Classroom Behavior

Disruptive Classroom Behavior (DCB) Guidance 

 

DCB occurs when students engage in behavior that makes teaching and learning difficult for faculty and students in the various classroom environments, e.g., on-site, face to face, Virtual-Zoom & Skype, On-line, email, messaging systems and D2L.

DCB can be exhibited in various elements/situations, including, but not limited to:

  • Behavior which persistently interferes with effective class management, including an inability to comply with the directives of the instructor.

  • Habitual or high levels of irritable, unruly, abrasive, or aggressive behavior, including persistent and unreasonable argumentative questioning or monopolizing of classroom discussion.

  • Intimidating or harassing another person through words and/or actions.

  • Threats of physical harm to self or others.

 

Faculty role and tips for dealing with the disruptive student:

  • First, be knowledgeable of the university’s DCB Policy and its application: https://www.nl.edu/about/leadership/provost/facultyresources/disruptiveclassroombehavior/

  • Initial situations of mildly disruptive behavior should be managed informally, based on your personal judgment, at the time.

  • Express your concern with their behavior (e.g. speaking loudly, arriving late) and set appropriate limits for their interactions with you in and out of the classroom.

  • If the disruptive behavior progresses, or is serious in its initial form, follow the more formal process described in the policy.

  • Document each incident of inappropriate behavior, witnesses to each incident, and your contact and conversation with the student.

  • Use EAB to document an initial non-threatening incident, and your response/remedy. This form will be referred to the Dean of Students (or designee), who will follow up with you.

  • Complete and file an Incident Report, via nl.edu/letusknow, to report disruptive behavior that constitutes a threat to persons and/or property.

Student expulsion and appeal:

  • Egregious or continued disruptive behavior may result in the removal of the student from the course and /or cohort by the course Instructor.

  • A statement of the reason for expulsion, and how to appeal the decision, shall be given in writing by the faculty member to the student, the chairperson of his/her major program, the chairperson of the department or program in which the course is offered, the Registrar, and Dean of Students (or designee).

  • A student may appeal the expulsion decision in accordance with the provisions of the Academic Appeals policy.

  • In addition, disruptive behavior which constitutes a threat to persons and/or property will be immediately referred to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs for adjudication and disciplinary sanction in accordance with the Student Hearing and Appeal System. Any sanctions imposed may be appealed only through the appeals process contained in that document.