Santa Rosa Junior College

GUIDELINES FOR ACTION

Types of Disruptive Behaviors:
Class I: Distressed, Emotionally Upset, Peculiarities
Class II: Irrational, Verbally Abusive, Bizarre, Defiant, Disruptive
Class III: Threatening, Violent, Suicidal, Danger to Self or Others

Specific Crisis Situations

Like members of any community, employees of the Sonoma County Junior College District may at times be faced with the disruption caused by troubled students or visitors. Faculty, staff, and administrators need to be aware of their rights of protection as well as legal responsibilities in dealing with disruptive student behavior. The sole basis for imposing disciplinary sanctions on a student is the student’s behavior; whether the student has a psychological disability or underlying emotional problem is irrelevant. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a safe and uninterrupted learning environment.

By “disruption” we mean all the behaviors that interfere with the normal functions of the College. A few specific examples include the behavior of persons who:

habitually interfere with the learning environment by disruptive verbal or behavioral expressions
persistently make inordinate demands for time and attention from faculty and staff
verbally threaten or abuse college personnel
physically threaten or assault others
willfully damage District property
misuse drugs or alcohol on District grounds
threaten or attempt to carry out suicide

Any of these situations constitute a potential crisis and are best resolved by a consistent and uniform approach.

There are many different types of crises or disruptive behaviors. The following are three major categories that may require different kinds of responses.

Class I

Distressed Behaviors
Behaviors indicative of emotional distress, but not necessarily disruptive. (In this category, you may be acting on an uncomfortable feeling you have rather than an observable or flagrant action.)

: Nervous or anxious; Sad, crying, or depressed; Inability to concentrate; Spaced-out or disheveled appearance; Angry; Under the influence; Excessive demand for reassurance or support; Expressing suicidal thoughts

: Talk with student privately or confidentially; Register concern; Inform student about available assistance through Student Psychological Services

Whenever a student expresses suicidal thoughts, take them seriously and get help immediately by calling Student Psychological Services, ext. 4445. If the person refuses referral, call a CIRT member for consultation.

Class II

Disruptive Behaviors
Causing disruption in or outside of classroom.

Possible Behaviors:: Inappropriately focusing attention on self; Irrational or inappropriate; Unrelated or bizarre comments; Verbally abusive; Defiant; Exhibitionist

Suggested Action:

Always protect personal safety

Protect safety of others, if possible

If appropriate:

Speak with student privately and confidentially
Show concern/acknowledge feelings

Set limits for acceptable behavior

Summarize incident in writing

Call member of CIRT for consultation

If discussion with student seems inappropriate, dangerous, or ineffective:
Request student leave class and contact District Police immediately at ext. 1000. Refer to Student Conduct Code for procedures.

Class III

Dangerous Behaviors
Danger to self or others.

: Acting out and appears to be potentially violent; Violent behavior toward self or others; Threatening to harm or kill self or others

: Always protect personal safety; Protect safety of others if possible; Immediately call District Police at 527-1000; Buy time by talking calmly and with concern until help arrives.