Commonly Asked Questions: Addressing Student Conduct Concerns

Please ask the student to stop the disruptive behavior and offer some constructive alternatives. Let them know that if the behavior continues, you may need to ask them to leave. If the student refuses to leave or if you encounter a direct threat, please call Public Safety at 212-678-3333 for assistance. Additionally, you are encouraged to submit a report through the Student Conduct Reporting Form to ensure the situation is documented. 

Please email the student regarding the specific assignment, clearly outlining the issue with objectivity. For example: “Your recent submission included several short answers that appeared to be deliberately offensive. This behavior is neither acceptable nor appropriate for graded assignments. If you are unsure of the answers, please leave the questions blank. Additionally, any written content that could be perceived as harassing, threatening, or discriminatory may be reported to Student Affairs for a review under the Student Conduct Code.

Respond to the student by acknowledging any valid concerns they have raised. Clearly outline your expectations for professional communication in future interactions. Inform them that emails should be respectful and free from profanity or aggressive language. Let them know that if future communications do not meet these expectations, the matter may be referred to Student Affairs for review of violation of the Student Conduct Code.

Inform the student verbally that they must stop, as they do not have permission to record. If they continue despite this request, contact Public Safety at 212-678-3333 for assistance and submit a concern to Student Affairs. Additionally, clearly state in your syllabus that video recording is prohibited.

Teachers College, Columbia University cannot prevent students from attending class or events without valid reasons. If a student has an outburst during class, you can ask them to leave. However, students can only be formally prohibited from attending class after following the student conduct procedures detailed in the Student Conduct Code.

If you believe a student is in immediate danger of self-harm or harm to others and is in New York City, first call 911, then call Public Safety at 212-678-3333.  They will determine whether a welfare check is required, and who else might need to be notified.

If there is no immediate threat, call and consult with Columbia Health Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS) to share information and discuss the best way to connect the student with mental health care.  You can also contact the Office of Student Support & Advocacy (SSA) to coordinate outreach and support for the student. Academic accommodations for students can also be a critical way to support them, especially during times of great stress, so you can also refer students to the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities (OASID).

If a direct threat (written or verbal) occurs in the classroom, promptly inform the student that their behavior is inappropriate and disruptive, and ask them to leave. If the student refuses to comply, call Public Safety at 212-678-3333 for assistance. After the situation is resolved, check with the affected individuals to see if they are comfortable continuing with the class. Additionally, refer any impacted students to counseling or student support offices, and consult with these offices for guidance on further steps. 

Document the incident and contact Public Safety at 212-678-3333.

If a student reports being threatened by a classmate outside the classroom, refer them to Public Safety. If the student agrees, contact Public Safety on their behalf to report the incident. Explain to the student that Public Safety will document the situation and assess if there is a larger threat or issue.

Additionally, submit a report through the appropriate form  to Student Affairs. This will allow them to evaluate if there has been a policy violation and provide the necessary follow-up support.

If a student seeks confidential support, please refer them to Sexual Violence Response (SVR), Counseling & Psychological Services (CPS), or the TC Ombuds. These resources are confidential and can provide the student with various options while preserving their choice about participating in any investigatory process.

Since faculty and staff are mandated reporters and cannot offer confidentiality, it is important to report all allegations of harassment using the Discrimination, Harassment, Bias-Related Incidents & Gender-Based  Misconduct Report Form. This ensures that the appropriate support and procedures are followed while respecting the student's need for privacy.

It is important not to make promises or assurances (e.g., do not assure the student being victimized that the accused student will be charged, will be removed from the classroom, etc.). 

If you are concerned for a student’s well-being in any of the above scenarios and there is no immediate or direct threat, please consult with Student Support & Advocacy for guidance and/or consult with counseling services as needed. If you believe that there may have been a violation of the Student Conduct Code, you can consult with Student Affairs and/or submit a student conduct report. 

How staff might navigate student questions in person regarding University statements: 

• Acknowledge the concerns, questions, feelings, and anxieties of students.

Sample response: “While I cannot comment/speak for the University, I can and will share your concerns/questions with senior leadership.”