Responding To Disruptive Students

October 9, 2009

Introductions

Lynn Niemi, Disability ServicesMark Olkowski , Dean of StudentsLt. Keith Rosin, Public SafetyGreg Smith, Counseling Services

Presentation Objectives

1. The changing campus profile.2. Preventive measures in place.3. How to deal with disruptive students4. How to identify and respond to students

concerns/crisis.5. How the campus responds.6. When and where to refer a student.

The Changing Campus Profile

Electronic livesMore students with diagnosed disorders (ADA Accommodations)

More students using/abusing medicationsVeterans readjusting after a tour of duty to a civilian society.

Signs of Changing Profile

Trouble coping with stressAnxiety or panic attacksDepressionPost Traumatic StressSubstance AbuseLearning DisabilitiesSelf-Injury or “Cutters”

Myths & Facts about Campus Violence

Nobody just snaps! In 75% of school shooting cases: Attackers told someone what they planned to do. An employee at the school had expressed concern

about the attacker.

“There is no accurate or useful profile of the school shooter”Source: U.S. Secret Service

Lessons from Virginia Tech

Prevention is essential.Intervene sooner then later.Privacy laws (FERPA) allow for sharing.Collaboration across departments is necessary and must be routine.The campus community must take action.

Actions Keeping Campus Safe

Student Review TeamSafety PlansConsultations always availableCampus communication systemsReviewing all report recommendationsOn going trainings

What is a Class Room Disruption?

Substantially interferes with a learning environment.Repeated interference of class room environment.Refusal to follow commands, including leaving a classroom or office.

Classroom Disruptions

Expectations in syllabus1st Offense: Verbal warning2nd Offense: Ask to leave for class period Notify Dept. Chair & Dean of Students Office

3rd Offense: Refer to Dean of StudentsDocumentation helps

Talking with a Disruptive Student

Remain calm, communicate empathyActively listenUse “I” statementsBe respectful and patientSet clear boundariesNever make promises you can’t keepNotify others as needed

ADA Issues

Misconduct is not protected by the ADA.Increase in registered mental health disordersStick to the “Reasonable Accommodation” as determined by Disability Services.

Working with Veterans

Most are fine and need little assistance.Shy about asking for help.May or may not have registered disabilityTwo extremes Quiet & unengaged Outspoken, almost confrontational

Identifying a Student in Distress

Noticeable Change In Daily RoutinesDecreased PerformanceHealth ComplaintsMood SwingsSubstance AbuseDecreased or Over Involvement in Class and Social Activities:Loss of Control, Irrational or Dysfunctional Behavior: (Injustice Collector)

What You Might Do

You are not expected to provide therapy or counselingHowever, you are often in a good position to help students start to deal with concerns by:

Expressing clearly your willingness to help Providing the essential first supportive contact Taking time to listen Assisting the student in locating resources

How to Refer a Student

Choose a time and place to talk with the student which allows for privacy and enough time.Express concern for the student - avoid making judgments or a diagnosis.Relate your observations of the students behavior and what you would like to see.If necessary, document the behavior – be specific, include time, date, place, actions.If necessary, refer at a level appropriate for the severity of the issue presented.

If Self Or Others May be HarmedSUICIDE THREAT

Maintain a straightforward and supportive attitude. Always take references to suicide seriously.If threat is imminent, do not leave the student alone.If threat is imminent, call 911.Campus “Potential Suicide” policy-contact Counseling and Health Center (2380).Counseling will contact student ASAP.Counseling and student determine next step.

If Self Or Others May be HarmedVIOLENCE /THREATS/ DISUPTIVE

If there is an immediate threat remove yourself and assist others to a safe place if possible.If there is an imminent threat or medical care is required, call 911. If threat is not imminent call Public Safety to report or consult (2300).Threatening, violent or disruptive behavior may be a violation of the student code of conduct and should be reported to the Dean of Students Office.

Confidentiality

 Honor confidentiality when you can.Confidentiality must be broken in cases of “danger to self or others”. FERPA allows for “need to know” Counseling and Health staff and Disability Services have HIPPA requirements.

Scenario Discussion Questions

What are the important issues?How should the instructor respond?What resources might the instructor utilize?

Julie

Dropping grades.Feeling blue/ crying.Relationship ended recently.Giving up on everything.

Jon

Odd duck.Poor social skills.CompliantVery structuredEasy to frustratePossible disorder

Rob

Doing poor academically.Venting frustrations about school.Talking about guns.Has talked about ending it all, and taking the university with him.

Resources

Office of Recovery – Virginia Tech http://www.recovery.vt.edu/ University of Minnesota – Mankato

http://www.mnsu.edu/conduct/facultyresources.html

GaryPavela.com Letter on DOS Page

Resources

Counseling & Health http://www.uwgb.edu/counselinghealth/

Dean of Students http://www.uwgb.edu/deanofstudents/

Public Safety http://www.uwgb.edu/publicsafety/Index.htm

Shots Fired On Campus Video http://www.uwgb.edu/publicsafety/campus/video/

sfocVideo.asp

Thank you for your time

Please contact us for:Concerns about students

Staff meetings