The values and attitudes that should guide student behavior consistent with maintaining an environment conducive to learning are outlined in the University of Lynchburg catalogs and The Hornet. Responsibility and authority for maintaining order in the learning environment are assigned to faculty in Section 3.12.3 of the Faculty Handbook.
The following standards and procedures apply to all learning environments. However, each college or school and each instructor may have codes to specify additional standards suitable for learning environments or activities.
No student in University of Lynchburg classes, laboratories, performances, lectures, and/or organizations shall behave in any way that obstructs or disrupts the normal functioning of the environment. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, behaviors that persistently or grossly (1) inhibit the ability of other students to learn; (2) interfere with the meaningful participation of other students; or (3) inhibit the ability of an instructor or presenter to do their job. Specifically, students should foster an optimal learning environment by doing the following:
- Arriving on time.
- Being seated when it is time to begin and being attentive throughout.
- Refraining from engaging in conversations with others unless participating in group activities.
- Using a courteous tone when speaking.
- Refraining from leaving the event while it is in progress (except for illness or with prior approval).
- Treating others with respect.
- Refraining from eating.
- Respecting the process of discussion and group activity.
- Leaving the facility in a neat and clean condition.
A faculty or staff member may identify problem behavior through direct observation or by a complaint brought by a student to a faculty or staff member.
Violations of the Behavioral Standards for Learning Environments
If an instructor believes that a student’s behavior violates the Behavioral Standards for Learning Environments policy, the instructor should take action to stop the disruption, including directing the student to cease the disruptive behavior. If the student does not comply with the instructor’s direction, or if the instructor considers the disruption to be more egregious, the instructor may exercise any of the following options:
- When deemed feasible by the instructor, the instructor will initiate a private conversation with the student. At the discretion of the instructor, another member of the faculty/staff, and/or the student’s academic advisor may be asked to be present for the conversation. The conversation should include:
- Identification of the problematic behavior.
- Explanation of why the behavior is problematic.
- A statement regarding expectations of future behavior.
- Explanation of the consequences of continued misconduct.
Following the conversation, the instructor will create a written summary of the conversation and send copies to the student, the student’s academic advisor, and any staff member of the Academic Advising responsible for monitoring the student’s progress. If a faculty/staff member was asked to be present for the conversation, a copy of the summary will also be sent to that person.
- If the instructor believes that a private conversation will not be effective in resolving the misconduct, the instructor may call a meeting with the student and any of the following:
- The faculty member’s college or associate dean.
- The Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designee).
- The Vice President for University Experience and Student Success (or designee).
- The student’s academic advisor.
The meeting will address topics 1a – 1d listed above. After the meeting, the instructor and the ranking academic official in attendance will create a written summary of the meeting. Copies will be sent to the student, the student’s academic advisor, any staff member of the Academic Advising responsible for monitoring the student’s progress, and any other faculty/staff members who attended the meeting.
- The instructor may submit a written report of the problematic behavior to the Office of Community Expectations and Restorative Practices for disciplinary review under the policies and procedures described in the Honor and Student Conduct Codes.
- If the instructor believes that the student’s behavior is so disruptive as to require immediate action, the instructor may require the student to leave the classroom immediately. If the student refuses to leave immediately, the instructor may summon campus safety officers to escort the student from the room.
After instructing the student to leave the classroom immediately, the faculty member will contact the provost and vice president for academic affairs to recommend a course of action, which may include:
- Dismissal from the course with a grade of “F” (The grade of “F” cannot be changed by student-initiated withdrawal.).
- Suspension from the University.
- Referral of the matter to the Office of Community Expectations and Restorative Practices for disciplinary review following policies and procedures described in the Honor and Student Conduct Codes.
The Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designee) will arrange a meeting with the student, the instructor, and the instructor’s college or associate dean. During the meeting, the Vice President for Academic Affairs (or designee) will inform the student of the course of action deemed appropriate to address the reported disruption.
