{"id":23904,"date":"2011-09-24T09:09:55","date_gmt":"2011-09-24T09:09:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.umw.edu\/cas\/psychservices\/faculty\/distressed_disruptive_stud.php"},"modified":"2024-09-25T10:50:01","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T14:50:01","slug":"distressed-and-disruptive-students-a-guide-for-faculty","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/students.umw.edu\/counseling\/information-for-facultystaff\/distressed-and-disruptive-students-a-guide-for-faculty\/","title":{"rendered":"Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<section class=\"wp-block-umw-hero alignfull umw-custom-block umw-hero umw-hero--dark-text umw-hero--media-float-right umw-hero--white umw-hero--with-no-media\"><div class=\"umw-hero__inner\"><div class=\"umw-hero__media\"><\/div><div class=\"umw-hero__title\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"umw-hero__title__wrapper\"><div class=\"umw-hero__eyebrow\">talley center for counseling services<\/div><h1 class=\"umw-hero__title__header\">Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-umw-hero-ctas alignfull\"><div class=\"umw-hero__links\"><div class=\"container\"><div class=\"umw-hero__links__wrapper\">\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Working with college students has always been both challenging and rewarding. College life is stressful at times for all students, but today, many students are juggling additional burdens with fewer supports.&nbsp;As an instructor or advisor, you may be the first person to recognize a student in distress, yet you may be unclear, and a bit uneasy, about if, when, and how you should discuss your concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do I recognize a student in distress?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every student is different, but here are some common \u201cred flags:\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>obvious changes in mood or behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>tearfulness, depressed mood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>threatening behavior and\/or stalking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>extreme restlessness, agitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>change in grades, class attendance, work habits<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>obvious anxiety, panic or avoidance behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>coming to class drunk, high, hung-over<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>direct or indirect expressions of hopelessness\/suicidal thoughts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disturbing material submitted in class work, papers, exams<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>evidence of self-inflicted harm: scars, cuts, burns, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>poor hygiene\/inappropriate clothing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bizarre or unusual behavior or speech<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>significant weight changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>irritability, outbursts or disruptive behavior<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can I help\/intervene?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span class=\"bold\">Don\u2019t ignore the situation.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talk with the student privately; be specific about the behaviors you\u2019ve observed that are troubling.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Express your concern and offer assistance (which is typically a referral to the&nbsp;Talley Center for Counseling Services&nbsp;or other campus resource).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"bold\">Whether or not the student accepts your assistance, please consider reporting your concerns to the Dean of Student Life at 654-1200<\/span> or filing a Maxient report here <a href=\"https:\/\/cm.maxient.com\/reportingform.php?UnivofMaryWashington&amp;layout_id=10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Report a Student of Concern<\/a>. Reporting allows the Dean of Student Life to track at-risk students, as others may share your concerns and may report as well. If there appears to be a pattern of concerning behaviors, the Threat Assessment Team within Student Affairs (sometimes called Students of Concern Committee at other institutions , can review the situation and intervene.\u00a0\u00a0 Remember, students in distress are not punished or sanctioned &#8211; your report simply allows the University to offer supportive resources to students who may not seek out such services on their own.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"bold\">Become familiar with the Talley Center for Counseling services<\/span>, as well as other campus resources for students, so you can speak knowledgeably.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"bold\">Reassure the student and strive to destigmatize help-seeking.<\/span><br>The counseling centerworks with many students on a variety of issues, from everyday stress to more serious psychological issues. Our staff members are clinical psychologists experienced in working with college students and young adults. Knowing when to seek support is an important skill, not a sign of weakness or failure. Remind the student counseling services are free and confidential and do not become a part of a student\u2019s University record. Even if you refer the student, we cannot share any information with you or others, including whether or not s\/he made or kept an appointment, unless s\/he gives us permission (although there are a few, limited situations involving serious threats to the safety of the student or others, in which we are allowed to break confidentiality).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer to help the student make an appointment. In rare instances,you may wish to walk the student over to the counseling center, located in Lee Hall.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Let the student know that counseling services are voluntary. Students are free to discontinue sessions at any time, and\/or free to see another counselor.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span class=\"bold\">Document, follow up, and check-in<\/span> with the student.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Call the&nbsp;Talley Center for Counseling Services&nbsp;for a consultation<\/span> if you have questions or you yourself would like assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about a student who is disruptive?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Disruptive behavior falls on a continuum. It amounts to more than strong emotions or opinions expressed during the course of academic debate. And, it is more than the expression of controversial and\/or extreme points of view. Individual instructors vary in the range of behavior they tolerate in their classrooms; generally, however, \u201cdisruptive behavior\u201d is that which interferes with teaching and learning. The persistence, severity, and nature of the behavior are key factors in determining if it is disruptive. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>talking when others are speaking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>verbal badgering, frequent interruptions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>sleeping or eating in class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cell phone use\/text messaging in class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>chronic tardiness or early departure from class<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cursing or using derogatory and demeaning language<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>monopolizing class time or discussions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>refusal to heed written or oral directions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stalking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>verbal or physical threats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>erratic, or otherwise odd or unusual behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>excessive noise-making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>intoxication\/drug use<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>physical aggression to people or property<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How should I respond to disruptive students?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Plan ahead<\/span>; try to prevent problems before they occur. Determine the standards you wish to enforce in your classroom or office. Include specific behavioral guidelines in your syllabus and discuss your behavioral expectations in class as each semester begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Consider your response to continued disruption.<\/span> What consequences will you impose if the behavior continues? Additional warnings? A referral to Judicial Affairs? Will your response depend on your assessment of the student\u2019s situation? What if the behavior appears related to the student\u2019s emotional or psychological status?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Give notice<\/span> to students who behave in a disruptive manner. Don\u2019t ignore the behavior and hope that it will stop. Inform the student (usually in private) that their behavior has violated the rules for acceptable behavior in your classroom. Be specific and concrete. Use examples of acceptable and unacceptable behavior you have directly observed. Inform the student of the consequences of continued disruption, including the potential for judicial action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Document your interventions.<\/span> If you counsel a student about their behavior, make a record including the date, names of those present and what was said, as well as the student behavior that was objectionable. Keep your department chair informed as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Seek help, support, and consultation<\/span>. You are not alone; there are many resources available on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">Consult <\/span>with your colleagues. In addition to support and ideas, a colleague may be willing to sit in when you meet with a student and act as an informal witness to what is discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Judicial Affairs &amp; Community Responsibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>540.654.1660<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about student conduct standards, about when a complaint is appropriate and the procedures to follow when making a referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Office of Disability Services<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>540.654.1266<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A documented disability, including a psychiatric disability, does not excuse disruptive behavior nor preclude student compliance with classroom conduct standards. If a student\u2019s disruptive behavior relates to a psychological or physical disability, learn more about how to foster acceptable behavior within the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Office of Student Life<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>540.654.1200<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In certain situations involving disruptive behavior that may relate to a psychological and\/or substance abuse issue, the Dean of Student Life may invoke the UMW Mental Health Policy. This administrative action requires the student to complete a psychological evaluation. The policy helps the student access resources that will help him\/her to meet behavioral expectations. The process is not a sanction, but complements the judicial system and the Honor Code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human Resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>540.654.1046<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your classroom or office is your workplace. Learn more about how to maintain a healthy, safe workspace for yourself as well as a productive learning environment for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University Police<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span class=\"bold\">540.654.1025<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is possible that a student\u2019s disruptive behavior may be chargeable as a legal offense. University police officials can assist you in determining how and when to use the legal system as a safeguard or remedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What if the student appears dangerous?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your safety and the safety of your students is paramount.\u00a0 If a student is behaving in a verbally aggressive manner, remain calm, do not raise your voice or confront the student. Politely request that they respect your physical space and speak in a conversational tone if s\/he wishes to continue speaking with you.\u00a0 It is always OK to set limits on student behavior, if done appropriately.\u00a0 Don\u2019t touch the student, move closer to them, or turn away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a student actually makes a threat or becomes physically aggressive, contact the University Police immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Other Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/publications.umw.edu\/student-handbook\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Student Handbook<\/a>&nbsp;&#8211; see Student Code of Conduct<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty Working with college students has always been both challenging and rewarding. College life is stressful at times for all students, but today, many students are juggling additional burdens with fewer supports.&nbsp;As an instructor or advisor, you may be the first person to recognize a student in distress, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":0,"parent":1848,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"umw_cb_additional_links":[{"url":"","title":""}],"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_advisory_expires_time":"","_advisory_meta_include":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-23904","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty - Talley Center for Counseling Services<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/students.umw.edu\/counseling\/information-for-facultystaff\/distressed-and-disruptive-students-a-guide-for-faculty\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty - Talley Center for Counseling Services\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Distressed and Disruptive Students: A Guide for Faculty Working with college students has always been both challenging and rewarding. 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