Disruption of the Academic Process

Disruptive students in the academic setting hinder the educational process. Although disruptive student conduct is already prohibited by the Student Code of Conduct, the purpose of this policy is to clarify what constitutes disruptive behavior in the academic setting, what actions faculty and relevant academic officers may take in response to this type of disruptive conduct.

Disruption of the academic process is defined as the act, words, or general conduct of a student in a classroom or other academic environment which in the reasonable estimation of the instructor: (a) directs attention away from the academic matters at hand, such as noisy distractions, persistent, disrespectful or abusive interruption of lecture, exam, academic discussion, or general University operations, or inappropriate use of technology in the classroom, or (b) presents a danger to the health, safety or well-being of self or other persons. References to classroom or academic area include all academic settings (in class or online, and including field experiences). References to instructor include the course instructor, other faculty, administrators, and/or staff.

Academic discussion that includes disagreement with the course instructor during times when the instructor permits discussion is not in itself disruptive behavior and is not prohibited.

Some disruptive students may have emotional or mental health disorders. Although such students may be considered disabled and are protected under the Rehabilitation Act/ADA, they are held to the same standards of conduct as any student.

Procedures for Handling Academic Disruption

General Guidelines for Instructor:

If a student is disruptive, the instructor may ask the student to stop the disruptive behavior and/or warn the student that such disruptive behavior may result in academic and/or disciplinary action. Alleged disruptions of the academic process will be handled initially by the instructor, who will discuss the incident with the student at the time of the disruption or request a meeting later to discuss the disruptive behavior. It must be noted that the Faculty Senate considers the traditional relationship between student and instructor as the primary means of settling disputes that may arise.

The instructor is authorized to ask a student to leave the classroom or academic area and desist from the disruptive behavior if the instructor deems it necessary. If the instructor does this, s/he will send a written report of the incident within 48 hours simultaneously to the department chair, and the associate dean/dean of the college. If the situation is deemed an emergency or circumstances require more immediate action, the instructor should notify the appropriate law enforcement agency or other authorities as soon as possible. Any written report of academic disruption should be updated if new information pertinent to the situation is obtained.

An instructor may also further exclude the student from the classroom or other academic area pending resolution of the matter. If the instructor recommends exclusion (temporary or permanent) from the classroom pending resolution, the student must be informed of the exclusion before the next scheduled class (either by phone, email or in person). That notice must: (a.) inform the student of the exclusion, (b.) inform the student of his/her right to request an expedited review of the exclusion within two days to the department chair.

If such academic exclusion occurs, and if the student requests a review, chair of the department shall review the exclusion within two days of the date the student requests the review and decide if the student can return to the specific class and/or any academic setting. This decision may be appealed by the student in writing within two days. The appeal should be sent to the dean of the college who will then review and make a decision within two business days. Any decision rendered at that point must be in writing and will serve as the final and binding academic decision of the university.

Possible Academic Sanctions and Grading Guidelines:

The authority of an instructor, the departmental chair and/or the college dean’s office may result in any of the following sanctions:

-Warning to the student

-Temporary exclusion and/or permanent dismissal from the instructor’s classroom or academic area, program, or college, pending an expedited appeal

-Academic sanction, including assignment of a final grade — If the final determination is a dismissal from class, the grade assigned for the class will depend on the student’s status at the time of dismissal. If the student had a passing grade in the class at the time of dismissal, a grade of “W” will be assigned for the course. If the student had a failing grade in the class at the time of dismissal, a grade of “F” will be assigned for the course.

If the academic disruption incident warrants a referral to the Office of Student Conduct or other designated office in Student Affairs, a referral will be made and the appropriate office may initiate a disciplinary process resulting in the imposition of sanctions in addition to any academic sanctions imposed. Final disciplinary sanctions that affect the academic status of the student will be communicated to the instructor(s) and appropriate academic administrators after the Office of Student Conduct completes any additional disciplinary action.