Identifying and Addressing Concerns in the Classroom: Instructor Rights and Responsibilities in the Classroom University

1. Identifying and Addressing Concerns in the Classroom: Instructor Rights and Responsibilities in the Classroom University of Northern Colorado Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) Orientation

2. Mission The Office of Student Engagement encourages and complements student learning by providing and supporting quality services and programs that enrich students' academic, social, cultural, ethical, and intellectual growth.

3. Office of Student Engagement • Career Services • Dean of Students Office • Counseling Center • Cultural Centers • Disability Support Services • Student Activities • Women’s Resources Center • Stryker Institute for Leadership Development

4. Dean Of Students Office • To enhance and recognize student learning and personal responsibility through: • Resolving student issues • Information and referral center • Student recognition and awards program for academic and leadership achievement • Holding students accountable • Identifying and responding to students of concern

5. Disruptive Student Behavior Behavior that interferes with students, faculty, or staff and their access to an appropriate educational or work environment.

6. Examples of Disruptive Behavior • Abusive language or behavior – including vulgar language, gestures or expressions • Under the influence of drugs or alcohol • Constant questions or interruptions which interfere with the instructor's presentation • Creating excessive noise with papers, book bags, etc. • Erratic and/or irrational behavior • Inappropriate laptop use or text messaging • Continually speaking without being recognized • Other verbal or behavioral expressions that interfere with classroom environment • Arriving late/leaving early 

7. How can you be preventative? • Use your syllabus • Inform students in writing of standards and expectations (e.g., respect, courtesy, timeliness, etc.) for classroom conduct • Inform of possible consequences for disruptive behavior • Devote time during the first class to review this information in the syllabus • Consider co-creating class norms and expectations that allow the learning community to treat each other with dignity and respect • Give specific examples • What do you consider to be inappropriate or disruptive classroom behavior? • When class size permits, learn and use the names of your students

8. What to consider before you act. Mountain or Molehill? • Persistent. • Grossly interferes.

9. What can you do? • If necessary address one-on-one away from the classroom setting. • Try to reach an agreement for the remainder of the class session and plan to speak further afterwards. • Ask the student to speak with you privately to discuss your concerns. • Remain calm and request compliance from the student in concrete terms. • If student refuses to comply, indicate that you will consult with others to address the behavior and that the student may be referred to the conduct process.

10. Instructor Rights and Responsibilities • The Instructor has: • The responsibility for managing the classroom. • The right to tell a student to leave for the remainder of that class period only. • If you don’t want a student to return – call the Dean of Students Office. • What if the student has a disability? • What FERPA considerations apply?

11. When do you call UNCPD? If, at any time, a student is: • posing a threat of violence or unlawful behavior to him/herself or others by being verbally or physically abusive; or • refusing to leave the classroom upon your request • Remove yourself and instruct others to remove themselves from the situation • Contact University Police immediately Any threat of violence should be taken seriously. Err on the side of caution. • Panic Button • Dial 9-1-1 from any phone on campus • Dial (970) 351-2245 from cell phone

12. Communication and Boundaries Cautions • Show that you care. (not friends). • Clarifying means of communication • Phone numbers, text messaging, email • Reviewing nature of course content, preparing students • Recognizing opportunities for misinterpretation • Example – Don’t you look nice today? • Meeting students off-campus • When students cross boundaries…… • Example – Amorous relationship

13. Duty to Report It is essential for staff and faculty to know the limitations of their ability to respect a student’s privacy or desire to keep something confidential. Colorado law states that every individual or corporation who has reasonable grounds to believe a crime has been committed has a duty to report the suspected crime to law enforcement authorities (Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-115).  Err on the side of caution. Share the information with a supervisor, UNC PD, or the Dean of Students Office to make sure we are upholding our responsibility to our campus community.

14. C.A.R.E Team • Purpose: • To proactively identify students & staff members of concern and to make recommendations for a course of action to the Dean of Students Office or appropriate campus official. • Ultimate goal – Student wellness. • Team Members • Dean of Students Office • UNCPD • Housing & Residential Education • Counseling Center (consultant) • Assault Survivors Advocacy Program (ASAP; consultant)

15. C.A.R.E. Team When should you refer a student? • pattern of bizarre behaviors or actions • disruption to the classroom or living community • harmful to themselves or others • suicidal threats gestures or attempts • alcohol problems • eating concerns • self-injurious behavior (e.g., cutting self) • hospitalization for drug or alcohol use • sudden rapid weight loss • poor health due to restrictive eating

16. Reporting a Concern • Student Health and Safety Referral • Contact the Dean of Students Office • Submit a Health and Safety Referral Form online • www.unco.edu/dos • Right hand side of the page under “Report a Concern” • Health and Safety Referral Form • Bias Response • Contact DOS • Submit Bias Response Form on DOS website

17. Academic Dishonesty • What are your options? • A failing grade on the assignment • A failing grade in the course • Contact the Dean of Students Office to have the incident documented • Refer the incident to the Dean of Students Office for disciplinary action through the student conduct process • Why contact the Dean of Students Office? • An investigation can determine levels of involvement in cases with multiple students • Having a centralized reporting location allows the university to track whether a student has engaged in academic misconduct previously

18. SE & DOS Office Staff • Katrina Rodriguez, Ph.D.AVP for Student Engagement and Dean of Students • Larry Loftin Interim Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Community Standards &Conflict Resolution • Deana Davies Intervention Coordinator • Heather JamesAssistant Director of Community Standards & Conflict Resolution • David Steward Graduate Assistant, Community Standards &Conflict Resolution • Sherri Moser Assistant to the AVP for Student Engagement and Dean of Students • Elaine Reinert Administrative Assistant

19. Contact Information Office of Student Engagement and Dean of Students Come by and visit us! University Center 3050 Campus Box 81 (970) 351-2796 www.unco.edu/studentengagement