Procedures for Withdrawing Students for Disruptive Behavior

"An instructor may withdraw a student from a course with a mark of "W" or "E" when the student's behavior disrupts the educational process. Disruptive classroom behavior for this purpose is defined by the instructor." (Student Affairs Manual 602-10).

1. The instructor should first discuss behavioral issues with the student. At that time, the instructor may give the student a warning that any further disruptive behavior may result in administrative withdrawal. Any oral warning should be accompanied by a written letter to the student, documenting the student's disruptive behavior. The letter should be written in consultation with the department chair, or the chair's designee. Exception: If the behavior is immediately threatening to the instructor or other students, the instructor should notify DPS and request that they remove the student. Neither written nor oral warning is required in this case.
2. If the behavior persists, and with the approval of the department chair or the chair's designee, the instructor may forward a letter to the student, with copies to the chair/chair's designee and the Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs, informing the student that (s)he is being withdrawn from the class for disruptive behavior. In the letter, the instructor should also indicate that any appeal must be directed to the CLAS Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs.
3. Upon receipt of the instructor's letter, the Assistant Dean will forward a letter to the student, confirming the withdrawal and setting a deadline for appeal. The student may appeal the withdrawal by filing a written request with the Assistant Dean within ten (10) working days of the date of the Assistant Dean's letter.
4. If there is no appeal, the Assistant Dean will forward the withdrawal to the Registrar and inform the student, instructor and Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs in the Office of Student Life.
5. If the student files an appeal with the Assistant Dean, the Assistant Dean will convene an ad hoc committee to hear the appeal. The decision of the committee is final. The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs will send the final decision to the student, with a copy to the instructor and Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs in the Office of Student Life.
6. The instructor may also choose to file a conduct complaint with the Assistant Dean for Judicial Affairs in the Office of Student Life, 965-6547.