Classroom Behavior and Suspicion of Threat

There are times when students may exhibit behavior in the classroom that is not conducive to learning (e.g., inappropriate verbal or written statements, academic misconduct, etc.). Faculty members are encouraged to address poor classroom behavior immediately via classroom management techniques, including meeting with the student to address the behavior and explain the possible consequences.

Faculty may contact their department chair, department dean, or the Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success to discuss concerns they may have, how to address the student, and/or other actions appropriate to the situation. There may be times, however, when the behavior is not remedied, or is threatening in nature (e.g., bodily harm to another student or faculty member, hurting oneself). Faculty should use the following procedures when this type of behavior occurs:

  • Call 911 if students and/or faculty are in imminent danger. If possible, assist affected people with moving to a safe area. Wait for further instructions.
  • If no immediate imminent danger exists, but you are concerned about overall safety, contact the Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success at (x1660) and/or the University Police Department at (x2147) to discuss the situation and possible outcomes.
  • Submit the . This form is automatically routed to individuals responsible for student success and campus safety.

It is important that information is shared quickly and is kept confidential until the university can determine the best course of action, which may include immediate contact with the student, temporary suspension with a formal hearing, or no action (i.e., monitor the situation). The university would determine appropriate notification procedures.

The university will follow the student Code of Conduct guidelines and procedures when dealing with a student as described in the MSU Billings Student Handbook.

In these situations, it is important that the faculty remain calm, cooperative, and help decrease fears and rumors. If it is determined that the student is not in violation, it will be necessary for the faculty, department chair, department dean, and Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success to determine the best academic arrangement to help the student be successful.

It is recommended that faculty address classroom code of conduct expectations in their syllabus. This may include an explanation of behaviors deemed appropriate and inappropriate for learning and for the safety of others. 

Faculty and staff should know that it is extremely difficult to keep the information they provide to department heads, the University Police, or the Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success confidential. In a student Code of Conduct situation, a student has the right to see the information that is being used as evidence. The Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success will attempt to use discretion when sharing information with the student.

Information about the outcome of the process will be shared with the individuals involved at the discretion of the Vice Chancellor for Student Access and Success and/or the department dean.