Identifying and Addressing Concerns in the Classroom: Instructor Rights and Responsibilities in the Classroom

University of Northern Colorado

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Orientation

Mission

The Office of Student Engagement encourages and complements student learning by providing and supporting quality services and programs that enrich students' academic, social, cultural, ethical, and intellectual growth.

Office of Student Engagement• Career Services• Dean of Students Office• Counseling Center• Cultural Centers• Disability Support Services• Student Activities• Women’s Resources Center • Stryker Institute for Leadership Development

Dean Of Students Office

• To enhance and recognize student learning and personal responsibility through: – Resolving student issues– Information and referral center– Student recognition and awards

program for academic and leadership achievement

– Holding students accountable– Identifying and responding to students

of concern

Disruptive Student Behavior

Behavior that interferes with students, faculty, or staff and their access to an appropriate educational or work environment.

Examples of Disruptive Behavior• Abusive language or behavior – including vulgar language,

gestures or expressions• Under the influence of drugs or alcohol• Constant questions or interruptions which interfere with the

instructor's presentation• Creating excessive noise with papers, book bags, etc.• Erratic and/or irrational behavior• Inappropriate laptop use or text messaging• Continually speaking without being recognized• Other verbal or behavioral expressions that interfere with

classroom environment• Arriving late/leaving early

How can you be preventative?

• Use your syllabus – Inform students in writing of standards and expectations (e.g.,

respect, courtesy, timeliness, etc.) for classroom conduct – Inform of possible consequences for disruptive behavior

• Devote time during the first class to review this information in the syllabus

• Consider co-creating class norms and expectations that allow the learning community to treat each other with dignity and respect

• Give specific examples – What do you consider to be inappropriate or disruptive

classroom behavior?• When class size permits, learn and use the names of your students

What to consider before you act.

Mountain or Molehill?

• Persistent.

• Grossly interferes.

What can you do?

• If necessary address one-on-one away from the classroom setting.

• Try to reach an agreement for the remainder of the class session and plan to speak further afterwards.

• Ask the student to speak with you privately to discuss your concerns.

• Remain calm and request compliance from the student in concrete terms.

• If student refuses to comply, indicate that you will consult with others to address the behavior and that the student may be referred to the conduct process.

Instructor Rights and Responsibilities

• The Instructor has: – The responsibility for managing the classroom.– The right to tell a student to leave for the remainder of

that class period only.• If you don’t want a student to return – call the Dean of

Students Office.• What if the student has a disability?• What FERPA considerations apply?

When do you call UNCPD?If, at any time, a student is:• posing a threat of violence or unlawful behavior to him/herself or others

by being verbally or physically abusive; or • refusing to leave the classroom upon your request

Remove yourself and instruct others to remove themselves from the situation

Contact University Police immediately

Any threat of violence should be taken seriously. Err on the side of caution.

• Panic Button• Dial 9-1-1 from any phone on campus• Dial (970) 351-2245 from cell phone

Communication and Boundaries

Cautions• Show that you care. (not friends).• Clarifying means of communication

– Phone numbers, text messaging, email• Reviewing nature of course content, preparing students• Recognizing opportunities for misinterpretation

– Example – Don’t you look nice today?• Meeting students off-campus• When students cross boundaries……

– Example – Amorous relationship

Duty to Report

It is essential for staff and faculty to know the limitations of theirability to respect a student’s privacy or desire to keep something confidential.

Colorado law states that every individual or corporation who has reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed has a duty to report the suspected crime to law enforcement authorities (Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-115).

Err on the side of caution. Share the information with a supervisor, UNC PD, or the Dean of Students Office to make sure we are upholding our responsibility to our campus community.

C.A.R.E Team• Purpose:

– To proactively identify students & staff members of concern and to make recommendations for a course of action to the Dean of Students Office or appropriate campus official.

– Ultimate goal – Student wellness.

• Team Members– Dean of Students Office – UNCPD– Housing & Residential Education – Counseling Center (consultant)– Assault Survivors Advocacy Program (ASAP; consultant)

C.A.R.E. TeamWhen should you refer a student?

• pattern of bizarre behaviors or actions• disruption to the classroom or living community • harmful to themselves or others • suicidal threats gestures or attempts • alcohol problems • eating concerns• self-injurious behavior (e.g., cutting self)• hospitalization for drug or alcohol use• sudden rapid weight loss• poor health due to restrictive eating

Reporting a Concern

• Student Health and Safety Referral– Contact the Dean of Students Office– Submit a Health and Safety Referral Form online

• www.unco.edu/dos– Right hand side of the page under “Report a Concern”– Health and Safety Referral Form

• Bias Response– Contact DOS– Submit Bias Response Form on DOS website

Academic Dishonesty• What are your options?

– A failing grade on the assignment– A failing grade in the course– Contact the Dean of Students Office to have the incident documented– Refer the incident to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action

through the student conduct process

• Why contact the Dean of Students Office?– An investigation can determine levels of involvement in cases with

multiple students– Having a centralized reporting location allows the university to track

whether a student has engaged in academic misconduct previously

SE & DOS Office Staff• Katrina Rodriguez, Ph.D.

AVP for Student Engagement and Dean of Students

• Larry LoftinInterim Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Community Standards &Conflict Resolution

• Deana DaviesIntervention Coordinator

• Heather JamesAssistant Director of Community Standards & Conflict Resolution

• David StewardGraduate Assistant, Community Standards &Conflict Resolution

• Sherri MoserAssistant to the AVP for Student Engagement and Dean of Students

• Elaine ReinertAdministrative Assistant

Contact InformationOffice of Student Engagement

and Dean of Students

Come by and visit us!

University Center 3050

Campus Box 81 (970) 351-2796

www.unco.edu/studentengagement