Procedures in the Event of Disruptive Students

All EvCC employees should be familiar with the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, available on the Everett Community College website.  Following are definitions and procedures.

Definition

Disruptive behavior interferes with the instructional, administrative, and/or service functions of the College.

Disruptive behaviors which require urgent attention by Campus Security

  • Verbally threatening or abusing others
  • Physically threatening or assaulting others
  • Theft of College property
  • Damage to College property
  • Use, possession, or distribution of illegal or controlled substances

Less-urgent behaviors which require follow-up

  • Disrupting the classroom, office environment or general campus
    • Asking inappropriate and/or off-topic questions
    • Interrupting instructor or other individual(s) speaking
  • Making inappropriate demands for time and attention of employees.  Examples may include::
    • Expecting immediate response to digital or phone communication
    • Demanding responses to communication outside normal business hours
    • Expecting employee time and attention that is disproportionate to what others receive

Removal of a Disruptive Student from Classroom/Office

An instructor may remove a disruptive student from the classroom on a daily basis by saying to the student that a specific behavior is inappropriate and then requesting the student leave for the day (if help is needed, the instructor should call Security at ext. 9998). The student is free to return to class the next day. Legally, unless there is imminent physical danger to the student or others, the student cannot be dropped from class or asked to leave for longer than a day without due process.

Any College employee may ask a disruptive student to leave their class and/or office

If the safety of the student or others is jeopardized, the Student Conduct Officer may suspend the student until the situation is fully investigated. After the investigation the suspension may be extended.

Recommendations

  • If a disruption is of an urgent nature (such as threat to a person), call 911 and Campus Security immediately.
  • For instructors, be proactive in your syllabi regarding expectations for communication, both in and out of the classroom.  
    • Include expectations for how you want discussions to be conducted during class.
    • Include any statements and expectations for communicating outside of class.
      • For example: “If you have questions, please feel free to contact me through Canvas messaging.  I try to respond to messages by the end of the following business day.  I typically do not respond to messages on evenings or weekends.”
    • Written expectations give you something to refer back to when issues arise and can be especially helpful for students who have trouble recalling conversations.
  • If a student is being disruptive and it is a non-urgent matter, talk to the student about the behavior. 
    • Describe the inappropriate behavior, including examples, and ask them to stop the behavior.
    • Mention they will be asked to leave if the behavior continues in the future.
    • Provide clear communication and examples can be especially helpful for individuals who do not pick up on social cues.  Talk to your Dean and/or supervisor for guidance and support.
  • If a student is asked to leave a classroom or office, complete an incident report, which can be found on the EvCC Intranet.  The report should include:
    • Date and time of incident
    • Description of specific behaviors
    • Any conversation(s) with the student.
    • Select “Student Conduct” as the type of incident.  Reporting is important so the Student Conduct Officer can follow-up if needed.
  • Depending on the circumstances and what the student discloses to you, you can offer them referrals to campus resources.  This could include: 
    • Counseling and Student Success 
    • Tutoring Center
    • Writing Center
    • Center for Disability Services
    • Diversity and Equity
    • International Education  
    • As an instructor, you also have the option of consulting with counselors or others on campus to discuss strategies for working with the student and/or keeping records of your interactions with them.
  • Consult with your Director or Dean about written follow-up with the student to reinforce behavioral expectations.  Any written communication should include:
    • Description of the inappropriate behavior(s) and reminders/examples of appropriate behavior.
    • Clear statement of the consequences (i.e.,the student cannot continue in class if described behavior(s) continue and will be required to meet with the Student Conduct Officer. ).

If the disruptive behavior continues, remove the student (call Campus Security if necessary at ext. 9998) and submit a BIT report (select Student Conduct for incident type).  In this report outline the specific behaviors, conversations with the student and steps that you have taken.  Attach all supporting documentation. The Student Conduct Officer may follow up with additional questions in determining appropriate follow-up with the student.

If you have any questions or need additional support, contact your supervisor.