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Videos from the New Faculty Orientation 2015

Classroom Management Overview

Students have the right to a learning environment free from distractions per the Student Code of Conduct. As an instructor, you are responsible for managing the classroom environment and determining action when action needs to be taken to address distractions. Click here to review Classroom Management Guidelines.doc and 10 Effective Classroom Management Techniques Every Faculty Member Should Know to learn about proactive approaches.

Hostility, verbal aggression, depression, isolation and withdrawal are key signals that should not be ignored. Disregarding early warning signs facilitates escalation. It’s better to offend a student by “over-reacting” and apologize, than to fail to act in the interest of everyone’s safety.

Below are three categories of behavior and actions that need attention and a response. They are listed in order of increasing severity. Research suggests that acting-out and violent behavior may be diffused if these issues are addressed in the early levels of escalation. If, at any time, you think the student poses a danger to him/herself or others, call Campus Security immediately at (970) 539-2171 or dial 911.

LEVEL I - LOW	WHAT SHOULD I DO:
Pronounced and sudden change in attendance or academic performance Tardiness, increased absences, marked decrease in grade Change in behavior, negative change in attitude Withdrawn, irritable, confrontational, depressed Significant change in the way the student interacts with you and/or students	Make time to meet with the student one-on-one In a non-threatening and non-punitive fashion, share your observations and express your concern Inquire as to what circumstances may be causing the change in behavior Invite the student to discuss problems that may be interfering with his/her academic goals Document your concerns and report to Student Judicial Affairs Officer
LEVEL II - MODERATE	WHAT SHOULD I DO:
Monopolizing or interrupting classroom discussion Interrupting the instructor’s teaching or discussion Use of cellular telephone or other devices Arriving late or leaving early for a class Inattentiveness during class Attendance while under the influence of alcohol or drugs Sexist, racist or other discriminatory remarks Swearing	If you feel threatened in any way, contact Campus Security Meet with the student one-on-one if you feel safe In a firm and non-punitive fashion describe the problem behavior Set clear guidelines regarding appropriate behavior Document the incident and report your concerns to your Department Chair and/or Division Dean Notify Dean for Student Services of any SCOC violation
LEVEL III - ACUTE	WHAT SHOULD I DO:
Continued demonstrations of odd or peculiar behavior Continued disruptive behavior Aggressive and threatening behavior or gestures Visible agitation Frightening writing or artwork that evokes violence Sexual harassment Possession of a weapon	Remain calm, ask student to stop the behavior and/or leave the class If necessary, dismiss the class to diffuse the situation Call Campus Security or 911 Keep distance between you and the student Allow the student a way to exit Document the incident and notify your Department Chair, Division Dean, and Dean for Student Services

Support: You are not alone in resolving classroom management issues. Stephanie Lucero, Student Behavioral Officer can be a support resource to you and assist in sensitive matters to help resolve them in a fair and equitable manner consistent with Aims Community College policies and procedures. You can contact her at Stephanie.lucero@aims.edu/ (970) 378-3587

Example: You have a student in your class who is being disruptive (i.e. texting) and challenging (i.e. continuously questioning subject matter in a way that is disruptive to other students’ learning). After meeting with the student and discussing your concerns, the student continues the behavior (and it is beginning to affect the learning environment negatively). At this point, you could notify Stephanie Lucero of your concerns and the steps you have taken to address the student issue.

Stephanie can contact the student to set-up a meeting to help facilitate a solution. She would discuss your concerns and review the Aims Community College Code of Conduct with the student. In the meeting, she would also discuss the possible discipline the student could face if he or she continued to act in a disruptive manner. In these meetings, she also make attempts to relate whatever is being discussed to the student’s future and how the decisions he or she makes can affect or follow them throughout their college experience and professional career.

Content Modified from: https://www.aims.edu/about/departments/ccr/signature/2015.pdf

Classroom Safety Basics

Security requests that classrooms doors are kept closed and locked while your class is in session. You might designate a student sitting close to the door to open it if a student comes in late to minimize the distraction it might be to your teaching.
Click here for training materials on the Public Safety and Security website.
See below for an overview of emergency procedures. For more detailed procedures, review the Aims Emergency Action Guide.

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Classroom Management & Safety

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