When to Refer and to Whom?

What types of behaviors constitute violations of the student code of conduct or indicate a referral

As with members of any community, GCC employees may at times be faced with a disruption caused by students. 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 basis for imposing disciplinary sanctions on a student is the student’s behavior. Other behaviors may be of concern and lead to a referral to the Office of Student Affairs, and subsequently, to the BMT. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a safe and uninterrupted learning environment.

There are many different types of disruptive behaviors. Next you will find 3 major classifications that may require different types of responses.

Class I - Distressed Behaviors

These types of behaviors are indicative of emotional distress but not necessarily disruptive. Possible behaviors:

Student appear nervous or anxious
Student presents as sad, crying or depressed
Student exhibits inability to concentrate
Student appears spaced out or is disheveled in appearance
Student demonstrates anger/angry behavior
Excessive demand for reassurance or support
Student appears sleep deprived in class or office meetings

Suggested ACTION

Talk with the student privately, register concern, and educate student about available resources on campus i.e. Health Center Counseling, DSPS, etc.

Should you need any tips for how to talk to a Distressed Student, please contact any member of the BMT.

Class II - Disruptive Behaviors

These types of behaviors are a clear disruption to the orderly flow and normal functions of the college, office environments, and the classroom. All of these situations constitute a potential crisis and are best resolved by a uniform response and approach. Possible behaviors:

Student uses verbally abusive language
Student is defiant or unruly
Student displays irrational thoughts or inappropriate actions
Student interferes with the learning environment with disruptive verbal/behavioral expressions
Student willfully damages college property
Student persistently makes inordinate demands for time and attention from faculty/staff

Suggested ACTION

Always protect personal safety and safety of others when possible. If appropriate, show concern, acknowledge feelings, but establish limits for acceptable behavior.

Contact the Dean, Office of Student Affairs at ext. 5594 to make a report.

After the report has been made, complete online “Report a Concern” document which is submitted to the Dean, Office of Student Affairs. College discipline process will follow, along with possible consultation with the BMT.

Class III - Dangerous Behaviors

These behaviors present imminent threat to safety, danger to self or others, individuals or the campus community. Possible behaviors:

Student acts out and appears to be potentially violent
Student demonstrates threatening and harmful behavior
Student demonstrates violent behavior towards self or others
Student physically threatens or assaults others
Student threatens to harm or kill self or others

Suggested ACTION

First and foremost, protect personal safety. Protect safety of others if possible.

Immediately notify GCCDPD at 9911 from a campus phone or 911 from a cell phone.