General Information : Disruptive Students
Dealing with Disruptive Individuals
If you feel threatened or endangered, call the police!
What is disruptive behavior?
Behavior that interferes with other students, faculty or staff and their access to an appropriate educational or work environment is considered disruptive behavior.
What are some examples of disruptive behavior?
· Yelling or screaming
· Persistent and unreasonable demands for time and attention
· Words or actions that have the effect of intimidating or harassing another
· Words or actions that cause another to fear for his or her personal safety
· Threats of physical assault
How should I deal with a disruptive person?
Disruptive behavior should not be ignored. Remain calm. Remind yourself that it is not about you, it is about the situation. Tell the individual that such behavior in inappropriate. Inform the individual that there are consequences for failing to improve the disruptive behavior.
Many disruptive situations involve anger. Recognize that the period of peak anger usually lasts 20-30 seconds. Although this may feel like an eternity in the throes of the situation, often it is best to “wait it out” before progressing.
Remember to keep your supervisor or department chair apprised of the circumstances. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Documentation
Disruptive behavior should be documented. Write a factual, detailed account of what occurred. Use concrete, behavioral terms. Share the documentation appropriately.
The “Do’s”
· DO listen through the anger. Use active listening.
· DO acknowledge the feelings of the individual.
· DO allow the person to vent and tell you what is upsetting him or her. Use silence to allow the person to talk it out.
· DO set limits. Explain clearly and directly what behaviors are acceptable. “I will be willing to speak with you as soon as you lower your voice.”
· DO be firm, steady, consistent and honest.
· DO focus on what you can do to help resolve the situation.
· DO make personal referrals. Give a name of an individual, when possible, and call ahead to brief the person.
· DO report the behavior to the police and/or Student Judicial Affairs or Human Resources.
The “Don’ts”
· DON’T interrupt, particularly during the first 20-30 seconds of peak anger.
· DON’T minimize the situation.
· DON’T get into an argument or shouting match.
· DON’T blame, ridicule or use sarcasm.
· DON’T touch.
· DON’T ignore warning signs that the person is about to explode.
· DON’T ignore your limitations.
Resources
· Emergency 911
· OSU Police 292-2121
· Student Judicial Affairs 292-0748
· Human Resources 292-2800
Can faculty disenroll disruptive students from their classes?
From 3335-8-33 Conditions and Procedures for Disenrollment From a Course.
(A) The instructor (or in the case of a graduate teaching associate, the supervising faculty member), the chair of the instructor's department (with the agreement of the instructor), or other appropriate administrative official may disenroll a student from a course if:
. . . . . . . .
(E) After investigation, including consultation with the instructor and the student in question, and utilizing other university resources, as desirable, the chair (or other appropriate administrative official) may disenroll a student from a course if the student presents a clear and present threat of bodily harm or injury to the instructor or fellow students, or, after warning, continues to engage in disruptive conduct, either of which results in impairment of teaching or learning processes:
(1) If, after attempting to resolve the difficulty by informal means, the department chair (or other appropriate administrative official) deems disenrollment necessary, the affected student shall be notified in writing. The notice shall be delivered by hand or sent through ordinary mail to the student at the last address supplied pursuant to rule 3335-9-09 of the Administrative Code. Copies of the disenrollment action shall be sent to the dean of the instructional college, the dean of the student's college, the office of the university registrar, and the office of student affairs.
(2) The student may appeal to the executive vice president and provost or designee for waiver of disenrollment under paragraph (E) of this rule, provided the appeal is filed within ten days of the disenrollment action. The executive vice president and provost shall make final determination on the appeal within seven days.
(3) Disenrollment is effective upon the action of the department chair (or other appropriate administrative official), unless reversed by the executive vice president and provost or designee.