Classroom Management
Faculty and staff play an important role in creating learning environments that are respectful and conducive to academic success.
Effective classroom management helps maintain community standards while supporting student learning and engagement. This page provides guidance for responding to classroom disruptions, addressing concerning behavior and utilizing University resources when needed.
Expectations for the Learning Environment
Students are expected to:
- Treat faculty, staff and peers with respect
- Participate in a manner that supports the learning environment
- Follow classroom expectations outlined in the syllabus
- Comply with university policies and directives
- Avoid behavior that disrupts instruction or interferes with the rights of other students ability to learn, instructors to teach or any staff member to provide services
Faculty members are encouraged to clearly communicate expectations at the beginning of each semester and address concerns early when possible.
Proactive Classroom Management Strategies
Include classroom expectations in your syllabus and discuss them with students early in the semester. Expectations may address:
- Attendance and participation
- Technology and device usage
- Respectful communication
- Group work expectations
- Classroom conduct and civility
Minor concerns are often most effectively addressed through early intervention. Consider:
- Speaking privately with the student
- Clarifying expectations
- Documenting concerning behavior patterns
- Referring students to appropriate campus resources
When addressing disruptive behavior:
- Remain calm and professional
- Focus on the behavior, not the individual
- Clearly describe the concern and expectations moving forward
- Avoid escalating confrontations in front of the class when possible
Examples of Disruptive or Concerning Behavior
Examples may include:
- Repeated interruptions during class
- Aggressive or hostile communication
- Excessive side conversations
- Refusal to comply with classroom instructions
- Harassing remarks
- Disruptive use of electronic devices
- Threatening or intimidating behavior
Not all disruptive behavior rises to the level of a conduct violation, but concerning behavior should still be documented and addressed appropriately.
Responding to Classroom Disruptions
For low-level concerns:
- Provide a verbal reminder of expectations
- Redirect the behavior
- Meet with the student privately after class
- Document repeated incidents
If behavior continues or escalates:
- Issue a written communication outlining concerns
- Consult with your department chair or supervisor
- Submit a report to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Consider requesting a behavioral consultation if appropriate
If a student displays threatening, violent, or dangerous behavior:
- Prioritize safety
- Contact University Police immediately
- Remove yourself and others from danger if necessary
- Notify appropriate university offices after the situation is stabilized
If there is an emergency, call 911 or University Police immediately.
Removing a Student from Class
Faculty may direct a student to leave class temporarily if their behavior substantially disrupts the learning environment or poses a concern for safety.
When possible:
- Clearly communicate the behavior that is problematic
- Direct the student to leave calmly and respectfully
- Document the incident promptly
- Report the matter to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities
Faculty should avoid physical intervention except when necessary for immediate safety.
Documentation Tips
Accurate documentation is important when responding to classroom concerns. Include:
- Date, time, and location
- Description of the behavior
- Statements made by the student (when relevant)
- Impact on the classroom environment
- Actions taken by the faculty member
- Names of witnesses, if applicable
Objective, factual documentation is most helpful.
Referring a Student
Faculty and staff are encouraged to refer students to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities when behavior may involve:
- Potential violations of the Code of Conduct
- Repeated classroom disruption
- Threatening or concerning behavior
- Harassment concerns
- Student wellbeing or distress
