Disruptive Classroom Behavior
National Louis University recognizes a student’s right to speak, inquire or dissent but requires that these freedoms be exercised in an orderly and responsible manner. The University, therefore, prohibits any student or group of students from interfering with the personal rights of another individual, the holding of classes, the carrying out of University business or the progress of any authorized event on campus.
National Louis University shall not tolerate disruptive behavior in a learning environment convened by a faculty member.
Disruptive behavior by a University student is defined as any act that denies others the freedom to speak, to be heard, to study, to teach or pursue research. Such behavior is antithetical to academic freedom and to the rights of all members of the academic community.
Initial situations of mildly disruptive behavior shall be managed informally by a faculty member based upon that faculty member’s personal judgment at the time. However, if disruptive behavior progresses or is of a serious nature in its initial form, the formal procedure shall be as follows:
- An instance of disruptive behavior may result in an immediate oral and public warning by the faculty member.
- A subsequent instance may result in the expulsion of the student for the remainder of the class period by the faculty member.
- Continued disruptive behavior may result in the expulsion of the student from the course or field/cluster group by the faculty member. A statement of the reason for expulsion shall be given in writing by the faculty member to the student, the chairperson of his/her major department or program, the chairperson of the department or program in which the course is offered and the Registrar.
- The disciplinary actions listed in Paragraph (3), above, may be appealed by the student in accordance with the provisions of the Academic Appeals policy.
In addition, disruptive behavior that constitutes a threat to persons and/or property will be immediately referred to the appropriate University official by filling an Incident Report at nl.edu/letusknow. Any sanctions imposed may be appealed only through the appeals process contained in that document. Cases of imminent danger to life and property shall be referred to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
The above provisions notwithstanding, parties are encouraged to resolve matters relating to disruptive behavior amicably whenever possible. In addition, all parties are urged to document for their own records all matters relative to the purview of this policy.