Faculty Guide to Disruptive and Distressed Student Behavior

What is Disruptive Behavior?
While the University is a place where the free exchange of ideas and concepts allows for debate and disagreement, all classroom behavior and discourse should reflect the values of respect and civility. Disruptive behavior is defined as behavior that “interferes with university or university-sponsored activities, including but not limited to classroom related activities, study, teach, research, intellectual or creative endeavors, administration, service or the provision of communication, computing or emergency services.” Disruptive behavior by students occurs on a continuum of low-risk to high-risk behaviors.

Minimally Disruptive Behavior
In cases where the behavior is minimally disruptive, it is recommended that the staff or faculty member talk with the student immediately upon observing the behavior. The purpose of this discussion is to review the disruptive behavior and its impact on the learning environment. This discussion should include behavioral expectations: how the student can correct the behavior and probable consequences should the behavior persist. Examples of minimally disruptive behaviors in the classroom include being late to class, beepers and cell phones going off during class, and reading the newspaper. In a work environment, minimally disruptive behaviors may include ignoring the instructions of a university official, yelling, or blocking access to university resources.

Significant Disruptive Behavior
There are times when behavior is so disruptive that an immediate referral to The Office of Student Conduct and Mediation is appropriate. The term “classroom disruption” means behavior a reasonable person would view as interfering with the conduct of a class. Examples of increasing seriousness include making distracting noises, persistently speaking without being recognized, repeatedly interrupting, or resorting to physical threats or personal insults.

When a very serious or threatening incident of disruptive behavior occurs in the classroom, academic building, or on the campus, Oregon State Police should be contacted immediately by calling 737-7000.

What is Distressed Behavior?
Faculty and staff can play an extremely important role in referring students for help. You are frequently in a position to first observe signs of distress and, although it’s not always apparent, students typically hold faculty and staff in high regard. Signs that a student is distressed include: excessive class absences, declining academic performance, poor emotional control, excessive moodiness, sleeping and/or eating habits that change dramatically, excessive concern about personal health, persistent depression, talking openly about suicide, or repeatedly engaging in risky behavior.

Helping the Distressed Student
A simple and straightforward expression of concern is, in most cases, the most powerful way of helping a student. Tell them what you have observed and that you are concerned about their well-being and their success. Explain that there are services available on campus (see below) to help students get back on track when life circumstances are getting in the way. In some cases, it may be helpful to offer to walk over to OSU Counseling & Psychological Services (5th floor, Snell Hall) with the student or to call to let the office know that a student is coming over. Assure the student that counseling services are a confidential place to discuss their concerns.

If you are unsure about whether or how to intervene with a student who appears to be distressed, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is this student’s behavior distressingly out of the ordinary?
• Is this beyond my skill level?
• Is the behavior getting worse?
• Does the behavior place anyone at risk?
• Am I feeling like I want to talk with someone about my observations and concerns?

If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it is a good idea to consult with a colleague. Call OSU Counseling & Psychological Services and ask to talk with the on-call counselor. If a counselor is not immediately available and you don’t feel you can wait, ask if someone else is available for consultation.

Consultation
If the behavior feels potentially harmful, intimidating, threatening, or disturbing, it is wise to consult early on, before the conduct becomes an emergency. The level of risk to the individual or community should determine the course of action taken. Many faculty and staff members find it helpful to consult with their department chair, Department of Public Safety, the Dean of Students, Student Conduct, or OSU Counseling and Psychological Services on specific situations to discuss the behavior and possible methods of response. This consultation may lead to referral to counseling services, the initiation of a Student Conduct investigation, or police response. We encourage you to consult early and often.

Additional Resources

• Dean of Students - “Distressed and Disruptive Behavior”
• University Counseling and Psychological Services - “Tips on Recognizing and Assisting Students in Distress”
• Student Conduct - “Disruptive Behavior”

Contact Numbers:
Emergency:

Oregon State Police 7-7000

Non-Emergency – Consultation or Referral:

Oregon State Police/Public Safety 7-3010
Student Conduct Office 7-3656
Dean of Students 7-8748
University Counseling & Psychological Services 7-2131

If you would like a presentation on Disruptive and Distressed Behavior for your department, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students to make arrangements.