CLASSROOM CONDUCT PROCEDURES AND POLICY
All students at the University have the right to a calm, productive and stimulating learning environment. In turn, instructors have a responsibility to nurture and maintain such an environment. Lively, even heated, discussion is not disruptive behavior. However, student behavior that is an obstacle to teaching and learning must be addressed.
The disruptive student should be confronted in a timely manner to reinforce learning environment expectations. The instructor and student should also discuss what could be done to improve the situation. If the disruption warrants, due to the seriousness or persistence, the instructor should consult with appropriate administrative personnel, (i.e. department chair, dean, student affairs director, and/or director of graduate/undergraduate studies). If collegiate-level action is to be taken, the student should be provided notice of the offense and given an opportunity to respond. Applicable department and college procedures must be followed when providing the student with notice and the opportunity to respond to it.
After hearing the student's response, a decision can then be made to issue discipline or pursue further action. The student should be informed of any discipline and any right to appeal. Again, any applicable department or college procedures must be followed.
In addition to collegiate-level action that may be taken, the student's behavior and conduct may also be subject to disciplinary action under the University Student Conduct Code. A statement of the alleged misconduct is then submitted to Office for Student Conduct and Academic Integrity (OSCAI). The director of OSCAI may be contacted to assist in these determinations.
Instructors should not hesitate to call the University of Minnesota Police Department (612-624-3550) if the disruptive student appears to pose a threat to him/herself or others. Students whose behavior suggests the need for counseling may be referred to University Counseling and Consulting Services (612-624-3323).