Addressing Classroom Behavior

The instructor has the primary responsibility for maintenance of academic integrity and controlling classroom behavior, and can order the temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in disruptive conduct or conduct that violates general rules and policies of the institution for each class session during which the conduct occurs. Extended or permanent exclusion from the classroom, beyond the session in which the conduct occurred, or further disciplinary action can be affected only through the appropriate due process procedures.

Dangerous Behavior

Immediate Danger. Putting individuals at risk. Threatening immediate harm.

  • Physical aggression/attack
  • Illegal Activity
  • Weapons
  • Dangerous Behavior
  • Illegal Substance use
  • Intoxication
  • Drug use
  • Verbal Assault/Threat
  • Property Damage/Throwing

Addressed by:
Faculty member, Campus Safety, Code of Conduct officer and Supervisor

  • Preventative Measure
    Have behavioral statements in syllabus and review them in class. Be familiar with emergency procedures.
  • Response Step 1
    Call Campus Safety (ext. 6414 or 712.274.6414) and share your name, room number, and what is occurring.
    Only use 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
  • Response Step 2
    If safe to do so, ask the student to leave the room. If not, remove yourself and other students from the classroom. End class but do not stay behind with the student.
  • Response Step 3
    Work with Campus Safety and Code of Conduct Officer in documentation of incident and any on-going actions to address the incident.

Disruptive Behavior

Teaching & Learning are impacted for members of the environment

  • Communication with select members of class/entire group unable to engage in this communication (texting, side conversations, etc.)
  • Profanity/Verbal Abuse
  • Physical Actions/Throwing items in the room
  • Unwarranted attention seeking
  • Intentionally responsible for noise disruptions
  • Ignore/Disregard Safety Guidelines/Protocol
  • 'I want to punch something' or language suggesting the student is lacks self-control that might be concerning to the group

Addressed by:
Faculty member with consultation with supervisor.

  • Preventative Measure
    Have behavioral statements in syllabus and review them in class
  • Response Step 1
    If appropriate, at first indication of specific behavior, remind entire class of appropriate behavior.
  • Response Step 2
    Contact specific student via email and/or phone call and set up time to meet to address issue outside of class.
  • Response Step 3
    Conduct the meeting. Develop Learning Success Plan. Email follow-up to meeting.
  • NOTE
    If disruption is extensive, you may ask the student to leave the classroom. If this action is taken, consult with supervisor and then move directly to Step 2.

Disrespectful Behavior

Towards learning environment, peers, faculty

  • Whispering/Side Conversations during instruction time
  • Arguing/Challenging in ways that might be disrespectful
  • Proper timing on speaking during instruction
  • Group Project-refuse to engage/do your part
  • Assignments not completed before class
  • Laughing at others who are participating

Addressed by:
Faculty member with potential consultation with supervisor if desired.

  • Preventative Measure
    Have behavioral statements in syllabus and review them in class.
  • Response Step 1
    If appropriate, at first indication of specific behavior, remind entire class of appropriate behavior.
  • Response Step 2
    Contact specific student via email and/or phone call and set up time to meet to address issue outside of class.
  • Response Step 3
    Conduct the meeting. Develop Learning Success Plan, if desired. Email follow-up to meeting.
  • NOTE
    If behavior is extensive, you may ask the student to leave the classroom.  If this action is taken, consult with supervisor and then move directly to Step 2.

Lack of Decorum Examples

Established Faculty Expectations/Classroom Agreements

  • Cell phone use
  • Requirements of professional industry/setting
  • Late arrival/Leaving Early 
  • Walking about the room
  • Excessive Absence
  • Whispering/Side Conversations during instruction time
  • Earbuds/Other Technology 
  • Monopolize the conversations in class
  • Communication Boundaries disregarded
  • Food/Drink
  • Unrelated activities
  • Unprepared to learn
  • Hygiene concerns
  • Disputing established expectations
  • Compare with other students or other faculty

Addressed by:
Faculty member with potential consultation with supervisor if desired.

  • Preventative Measure
    Have behavioral statements in syllabus and review them in class
  • Response Step 1
    Consider your own tolerance level and “pick your battles”.  Is this something you want to concern yourself with?
  • Response Step 2
    If appropriate, at first indication of specific behavior, remind entire class of appropriate behavior.
  • Response Step 3
    Contact specific student and set up time to meet to address issue outside of class with email follow-up to meeting.
Tawnya Beermann
Tawnya Beermann
Dean of Students
tawnya.beermann@witcc.edu
Call  712.317.3227
Sioux City Campus, Room A301
DM
Darin Moeller
Executive Dean of Instruction
darin.moeller@witcc.edu
Call  712.317.3349
Sioux City Campus, Room A519
Western Iowa Tech Community College
712-274-6400 | witcc.edu | 4647 Stone Avenue | Sioux City, Iowa 51106