Disruptive Behaviors are those behaviors that interfere with or interrupt the educational process of other students or the regular business functioning of the college.

• Behaviorally disruptive, unusual, and/or bizarre actions
• Destructive actions that are harmful to others or self
• Possibly substance abuse
• Showing a complete lack of social norms

What can you do?

Below are suggestions based on best practice in working with a student or students who may need more help:

• Establish clear behavioral guidelines in your syllabus. Set the stage for success.
• Review your syllabus with the class and ALL behavioral guidelines. Consider having students sign an agreement that they have read the syllabus and agree to all classroom guidelines.
• Be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct at SUNY Broome Community College.
• Listen carefully to the student without interrupting as it often helps for a person to think about what they are saying with less pressure.
• Speak to the student calmly and quietly and privately if possible and communicate your concern.
• If you perceive there is an imminent threat to others, call Public Safety 911 or 9-911.
• If the student seems amenable to talking, walk them over to counseling services  SS 210 where every effort will be made to see them.
• If they indicate they would be willing to talk to someone, but cannot do so now, then give them a counseling services brochure or card which you can obtain by requesting copies from 778-5210.

What should you not do?

• Don’t ignore behavior that seems disturbed.
• Don’t say anything to embarrass the student.
• Don’t take anything said personally. People say things they don’t necessarily mean when they are angry.
• Don’t challenge what the student is saying. There is a time for clarifying and correcting, but if you are concerned about a student’s escalating behavior it might not be now.
• Don’t stand too close to a student as this can be perceived as challenging.