Disruptive Classroom Behavior

Utah State University supports the principle of freedom of expression for both faculty and students. The University respects the rights of faculty to teach and students to learn.

Maintenance of these rights requires classroom conditions that do not impede the learning process. Disruptive classroom behavior will not be tolerated. An individual engaging in such behavior may be subject to disciplinary action. (USU Student Code, Article 5, V-3 C.1)

This applies to all spaces where education takes place, including physical classrooms and online learning platforms such as Zoom, Canvas.

Disruptive Behavior:

Includes behavior that disrupts the instructor's right to teach and the student's right to learn. It can include, but is not limited to:

  • Frequent and inappropriate interruptions or interjections
  • Verbal combativeness or belligerent behavior
  • Routinely arriving late/leaving early
  • Constant talking during the lecture or while others are speaking
  • Consistent disregard for class rules addressed in the syllabus
  • Inappropriate language or questions
  • Obvious, disrespectful disengagement
  • Offensive comments or insults
  • Intoxicated behavior
  • Behavior that threatens or harasses another classmate or instructor
  • Inappropriate use of electronics, including viewing pornography
  • Violation of the USU sexual misconduct policy, USU Policy 2102
  • Violation of the USU Student Code of Conduct

Dangerous Behavior:

Reckless, disorderly, dangerous, or threatening behavior that poses a clear and immediate risk, including self-harm.

In these situations, 911 should be called first, and the class dismissed if necessary. Next, the department head and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards should be notified.

Not Disruptive Behavior:

There might be other examples of behaviors that faculty perceive as disruptive, but don't fall under our policy.

Process for addressing Disruptive Behavior

  1. The instructor will ask the student to stop and inform them that their behavior is inappropriate.
  2. If the behavior persists or severely impacts the instructor's ability to teach and/or other students' right to learn, then the student may be dismissed from class at the discretion of the instructor. When dismissed, the student should be told that the instructor will be in contact.

Documentation and Follow-Up 

  1. By the next class, the instructor will provide the student with a written notice that
    1. describes the disruptive behavior,
    2. explains why it was inappropriate, and
    3. outlines the necessary behavioral changes expected.
      This notice may be sent via email.
  2. If the student believes the instructor’s expectations are unreasonable, the student may confer with the department head, or the dean of the college if the department head is the instructor of the course.
  3. If the student’s behavior remains unacceptable, the instructor will notify the department head and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.

Example Communication

Dear Student,
On X date your behavior (insert in details of the behavior that was disruptive) became disruptive to the point that it affected my ability to teach and your fellow student's ability to learn. As we discussed after last class and agreed upon (insert in specific expectations of appropriate behavior).

Please understand that I support your academic career and would like to offer resources that may be helpful (insert in appropriate resources i.e. DRC, CAPS, CARE, etc).

Sincerely,
Instructor