HOW TO DEAL WITH THREATS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE

HOW TO DEAL WITH THREATS OF PHYSICAL VIOLENCE

It is important that you become familiar with the Student Conduct Code. You can access and read it here at the Faculty Development site or ask your Division Chair or the Dean of Student Services (2nd floor Building 6 or x235) for a copy. Neither exclusively nor inclusively binding, the intent of these recommendations is to provide you with a proactive framework that can assist you in making you own decisions. These recommendations are currently under review by the Committee on Student Affairs (COSA). If they accept them as written or with changes, the recommended document will be forwarded to the Faculty Council Executive Committee (FCEC) for their review and acceptance. If accepted the amended recommendations will be replace this present document.

Please read about how to deal with a disruptive student.

Serious and Dangerous Disruption

The behavior is perceived as dangerous, violent, and threatening to cause physical and mental harm, injury, indignity, harassment, or written and spoken abuse to the instructor, staff or to other students in classroom or non-classroom settings or in any learning environment; or causes damage or threat to college property or property of students or college employees. If the student causes damage and/or threatens bodily harm on self or others, i.e. verbal threats of violence, brandishing of lethal weapons, or assault in or out of class, or if the behavior inflicts serious emotional and mental stress on others, or creates substantial disruption of normal campus activities, tell the student to leave. The safety and well-being of your students and yourself come first.

Step 1:	Remain calm and avoid acceleration of the disruptive behavior. Tell the student to leave.
Step 2:	If the student does not leave and the disruptive behavior continues and there is no phone available, it is recommended by Security that the instructor and other students leave the disruptive environment together, attempt to get immediate assistance from authorities, and wait for Security and the Police outside. The attempt to keep intacting as a group is to protect the welfare of both students and the instructor. However, depending on your discretion and perception of the disruptive crisis, you may find it more reasonable to choose to dismiss the class immediately.
Step 3:	If the student leaves, notify Security (x142, x245 or x273) and Police (9-911) immediately. Be prepared to give Security your exact location. Even though Security has no police powers and are unauthorized to carry firearms, they do have direct telephone access to the Police Department. Note: Just because the immediate threat or disruption is diffused, this does not mean that the problem is solved. Consult Security in taking proactive measures to insure the safety of your students and of your own person. Note: When alleged violators are not students of the college, or when the seriousness of the situation requires it, call the Police (9-911) immediately.
Step 4:	As soon as the situation is diffused and/or resolved, it is very important that you follow up with Security/Police and your Division Chair to make necessary arrangements for the protection and safety of your class and of your personal well-being.
Step 5:	Write up the incident for action under the Student Conduct Code and deliver this document immediately to the Dean of Student Services with a copy to your Division Chairperson.
Step 6:	Offer counseling to class members who have been traumatized.