Handling Class Disruption
Student Judicial Affairs provides non-emergency advice and assistance to faculty regarding disruptive students. University Standards of Conduct for Students prohibit obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, or other University activities (Section 102.13). Student Judicial Affairs administers the student disciplinary process for disruptive behavior and other conduct violations.
Call Student Judicial Affairs if a student disrupts or obstructs class, office hours, or other teaching or research functions. Disruption or obstruction means conduct that disturbs, interferes with, or prevents normal campus functions and activities. Examples include creating a disturbance or disrupting class by excessive talking, making inappropriate noises, repeatedly interrupting others, monopolizing class discussion, or verbally abusing others. See Responding to Disruptive Students: http://sja.ucdavis.edu/pdf/Disrupt.pdf
Contact the UC Davis Police if an individual makes implicit or explicit threats of violence, or you believe there is a significant risk of physical harm, to you, to others, or to the student him/herself; if the student has a weapon; or if the student behaves in an intimidating or bizarre manner. The police will respond to investigate the threats or other circumstances, warn any intended victim, and determine whether the individual is dangerous, has committed a crime, or needs medical/psychological help.
Responding to Disruption in Class:
- Define conduct standards for class in syllabus (see below) and during class discussion
- For minor disruption, remind students of their responsibilities
- If students repeatedly disrupt class or office hours, talk to them individually and warn that they may be subject to possible discipline
- Do intervene, but avoid disturbing others or making a scene -- Quietly ask the student to stop the disruptive behavior.
Always treat students with the respect you want them to show you
Dealing with Students in Crisis
- If a student tells or emails you that he or she feels depressed, hopeless or suicidal, call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 752-0871 during business hours. After business hours, contact suicide prevention (the Davis Crisis Line) at 756-5000. CAPS provides consultation for faculty in situations where students appear to be in crisis or engage in disruptive behavior seems to have significant psychological components, and may arrange for appropriate intervention if necessary.
- If a student is acting in an angry, agitated or bizarre manner, do not raise your voice or escalate the conflict. If the behavior disrupts or interferes with class or the ability to work, or causes safety concerns, ask student to leave, or excuse yourself and get help. If the student refuses to leave, or if there is a weapon, a crime in progress, or fear of imminent harm, call campus police at 752-1230.
- Afterwards, consult the department chair, the Student Crisis Response Team, and/or SJA. It is important to notify authorities so that they can check to see if the student has a prior history. The Student Crisis Response Team can be contacted through the Campus Police (752-1230), Student Judicial Affairs (752-1128), or CAPS (752-0871). The team provides consultation and intervention assistance for complex situations requiring a coordinated response.