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 from any phone on campus
Dial (970) from cell phone

12. Communication and Boundaries
Cautions
Show that you care. (not friends).
Clarifying means of communication
Phone numbers, text messaging,
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 § ). 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: Team Members
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 Bias Response
Contact the Dean of Students Office
Submit a Health and Safety Referral Form online
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 James Assistant 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. Office of Student Engagement
Contact Information
Office of Student Engagement
and Dean of Students
Come by and visit us!
University Center 3050
Campus Box 81
(970)