4.1.17 Classroom Disruption

Instructors are responsible for the management of the learning environment in their classrooms, whether in person or virtual, so all students in the class have an opportunity to participate in and benefit from the learning process. The learning environment may extend beyond the classroom to spaces that are under the management of faculty and/or staff (e.g., field experiences, internships, study abroad programs, etc.). The University supports free expression and instructors determine whether conduct is disruptive. Constructive, appropriate dialogue relevant to class and curriculum is an important part of the learning process, and expressing disagreement is not in itself disruptive behavior unless there are corresponding circumstances that result in the disruption of the learning environment. However, there may be times when the conduct of an individual or group of students disrupts the learning environment and needs to be addressed.

The established standards of professional conduct for instructors are outlined in the Code of Ethics. Student rights and responsibilities in the learning environment are enumerated in the Code of Student Conduct (VI.A.2).

Disruptive student conduct is behavior in a classroom or other learning environment (including in person and virtual learning environment as well as on and off campus locations) that disrupts the educational process. Disruptive class behavior for the purpose of this Policy is determined at the discretion of the instructor; examples include, but are not limited to, the following:

• threatening, intimidating, or other inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates
• persisting in disruptive personal conversations with other class members
• unreasonable interference with class discussion or activities

• repeated interruptions by electronic devices
• refusing to follow the direction of the instructor or other university official

• leaving and entering class frequently without notifying the instructor of illness or other extenuating circumstances

Steps For Responding to Disruption in the Classroom or Learning Environment

1. When reasonable under the circumstances, the instructor informs the student they are being disruptive and ask the student to cease the disruptive conduct.
2. If there is no immediate safety concern and the student ceases the disruption, the student may remain in that class session and the instructor may submit an online conduct referral as soon as possible after the class session using this link: https://deanofstudents.illinoisstate.edu/conduct/report/
3. If after being asked to cease disruptive conduct, the student does not do so but the continued level of disruption: (a) causes no immediate safety concern; and (b) can be reasonably managed by the instructor, then the instructor may allow the student to remain in that class session. The instructor may submit an online conduct referral as soon as possible after the class session using this link: https://deanofstudents.illinoisstate.edu/conduct/report/
4. If the initial disruption causes an immediate safety concern, or the student’s level of continued disruption cannot be reasonably managed by the instructor, the instructor can direct the student to leave the classroom or learning environment. If the student does not comply with the direction to leave the classroom, or if the student complies but the immediate concern for safety continues even after the student departs the classroom, the instructor will contact the Illinois State University Police for assistance. The instructor submits an online conduct referral as soon as possible after the class session using this link: https://deanofstudents.illinoisstate.edu/conduct/report/

Student Conduct and Community Responsibilities (SCCR) reviews conduct referrals and determines whether reported disruption in the classroom or learning environment warrants initiating the conduct process under the Code of Student Conduct. The process for resolving conduct matters, including the processes for interim measures, is outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. The instructor will be notified if there are interim measures, alternative course arrangements, or conduct outcomes that impact the student’s continued participation in the course.