MANAGING STUDENT BEHAVIOR: A GUIDE FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
RESPONDING TO DISRUPTIVE AND/OR THREATENING BEHAVIOR
According to the Code of Student Conduct, the disruption or obstruction of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, other University activities, including its public-service functions on or off campus or other authorized non-university premises is prohibited.
When improper student conduct obstructs or disrupts classes or other University activities or operations, or when the safety of members of the campus community is endangered by threats of violence or violent acts, instructors and staff may take the following courses of actions:
If a student is disruptive to a University activity, he/she should be asked to stop the disruptive behavior and warned that further disruption can result in student disciplinary action.
If a student continues to be disruptive despite a warning, faculty/staff are authorized to ask the student to leave the area and may inform the student that the incident will be referred for disciplinary action.
If a student refuses to leave the area after being instructed to do so, faculty/staff should inform the student that refusal may be deemed a separate violation of the Code of Student Conduct. An additional violation would subject the student to a more severe judicial response.
If, in the faculty/staff member's judgment, a disruptive studentıs threats or refusal to leave creates a safety risk or makes it impossible to continue class or other University activity, the UCO Police Department should be contacted and/or class should be dismissed for that day.
A disruptive student cannot be removed permanently from a class in which he/she is enrolled without formal review. The formal review may be a hearing through the student disciplinary process or through academic channels including the department Chair and Deanıs office.
Non-students and students not enrolled in class may be removed permanently without formal review because they have no right to attend the class without the instructorıs permission. Non-students who disrupt University activities may be removed from campus and banned from returning.
VIOLENCE, HARASSMENT, OR THREATS
Students can be disciplined for ³physical abuse, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, coercion, and/or other conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person.² This includes, but is not limited to, possession of weapons on campus, acts or threats of assault or abuse, sexual assault, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, hazing, forcible detention, and threatening behavior.
If any person appears to threaten him/herself, immediately contact the UCO Police Department (911 or 405-974-2345). If any person appears to threaten others (e.g., if the person threatens physical harm to others, possesses a weapon, or behaves in a manner that causes you to fear for the safety of yourself or others), immediately contact the UCO Police Department.
Even if police do not file criminal charges, the Police or faculty/staff member may refer the student to the Director of Student Conduct for disciplinary review of the incident.
In an emergency, a student can be suspended or restricted from University property, pending disciplinary proceedings or medical evaluation, when there is information and/or a reason to believe that the continued presence of the student on campus, or in specific University facilities, poses a threat to him/herself, or to others.
PREMISES OF THE STUDENT CONDUCT SYSTEM
The student conduct system is an administrative process designed to respond to allegations of student behavioral misconduct. While there are similarities between the student conduct system and a court of law, the UCO student conduct system is not a criminal court.
The purpose of this system is to protect the learning community and prevent educational disruption. The student conduct system strives to uphold the values of civility and integrity. The system also strives to uphold the accused studentıs right to due process.
Members of the UCO community, in responding to student misconduct, recognize the reality of human fallibility, as well as the stresses associated with collegiate life, and must demonstrate compassion and understanding.
In return, students must recognize their responsibilities as members of the UCO community. All UCO students are bound to abide by behavioral standards of conduct as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. To remain a member of the UCO community, students must accept the consequences of their actions should they violate the Code.
*This document is not intended to replace official University policy. Please refer to the most current edition of the Code of Student Conduct for specific policies.
**This publication is adapted with permission from ³A guide to helping faculty and staff deal with disruptive student behavior² from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
For additional information regarding the University Student Conduct System or for a copy of the Code of Student Conduct, contact:
Mr. Chris M. Snoddy, Director of Student Conduct
Lillard Administration Building, 211
405-974-2361