Tips on Managing Concerning Behaviors in the Classroom
Serious disruptive and/or threatening behavior that needs immediate intervention should be reported to University Police: 911 emergency or 801-585-2677 dispatch
The Office of the Dean of Students (801-581-7066, deanofstudents.utah.edu) is available to consult with instructors about strategies for intervening with classroom behavior.
Addressing disrespectful, distracting behaviors (e.g., noticeable comments, scoffing, gestures, etc.) as soon as possible is best to curb the behavior. Asking to meet after class and then telling the student what behaviors were noticed and asking about them is appropriate (e.g., “I noticed that you rolled your eyes at this topic, can you tell me about this? It is distracting for me and other students. Please be aware of this and be more respectful in the future.”). If there is any discomfort in meeting with the student person for this discussion, sending an email is also an option.
If distracting and disrespectful behavior becomes a disruption to the flow of the lecture or other class activity, put the student on notice that there will be consequences, including the possibility of being removed from the class. Instructors can consult with a Student Support case manager in the Office of the Dean of Students (801-581-7066) to discuss strategies for this including having the BIE representative conduct the outreach to the student. Document verbal notices with a follow up email when possible. Keeping notes about observed behaviors, witnesses, and conversations can be helpful if the situation escalates to adjudication.
If the disruption continues, the student can be told to leave the class immediately and report the disruption to Student Support & Student Accountability in the Office of the Dean of Students: online, by email: deanofstudents@utah.edu, or by calling 801-581-7066 to speak with a Student Accountability case manager.
If a resolution cannot be reached that is educational, the student may need to be permanently removed from the course for the semester and, in some cases, the financial consequences may be reimbursed to the student (e.g., if the student-instructor relationship is irreparable).