Best Practices When Dealing with Disruptive Students
As we begin the summer semester, we recognize that dealing with disruptive students can be a challenge to even the most seasoned professor. The campus coordinator for student integrity and conduct has experience and serves as a resource for working with disruptive students and presenting topics on the conduct process.
The following are three principles for faculty/staff on how to deal with disruptive students:
- Communicate:
Communicate from the start of the semester by setting the tone and clearly relaying the expectations for students in the classroom and course-related behaviors and engagement outside of the classroom (such as class group work with peers, meeting with the professor during office hours, course-related activity held off campus, etc.). This includes reviewing the syllabus, attendance policies, grading policies and communication etiquette. Explain to your students that mutual respect and common courtesy is the expected to foster a positive learning environment. In addition, discuss your e-mail and phone use policy and the consequences of violating these policies. Clear communication and consistency ensure that all parties are aware of what will happen if a disruption or violation of the code of conduct occurs. - Inform:
When a student violates the code of conduct or is disruptive, be sure to inform your associate dean or supervisor immediately and inform the student that you will be referring the situation to Student Conduct. - Act:
Once you have set expectations and informed your supervisor. It is now time to act by completing the Student Code of Conduct report form. When you complete the form, please include your syllabus, a detailed account of what happened, and a list of all parties involved as well as any witnesses. Once a report is filed, a member of the Student Conduct team will respond to you within three business days. If your situation cannot wait three business days feel free to reach out directly to your campus coordinator for student integrity and conduct or your academic dean to request a temporary interim action as detailed in the student code of conduct.
Other College Resources:
For more resources on classroom management, please reference the Office of Wellness and Mental Health website. Expand the Faculty and Staff menu and look for Tips and Resources on Classroom Management.
If you have questions about the student conduct process or would like guidance and direction on how to work with disruptive students, please contact your respective coordinator for student integrity and conduct for your campus:
- Dr. Chevella Wilson (chwilson@nvcc.edu): Loudoun and Woodbridge
- Lisa Zandel (lzandel1@nvcc.edu): Alexandria and Manassas
- Steven Mosley (smosley@nvcc.edu): Annandale and Medical Education Campus
Submitted by:
Takesha McMiller, Acting AVP of Student Success, TAMcMiller@nvcc.edu