Classroom Behavior Policy

Each instructor is authorized to maintain an in-person and/or online learning environment (including, but not limited to, classroom, Academic Travel, laboratory, field work, library, faculty office, etc.) that facilitates effective teaching, learning mutual respect and safety. Franklin includes communication(s) in its definition of class-related behavior to include, but not limited to, email, video conference, telephone meetings, and activities in Teams and Moodle (or other platforms) related to each course.

Examples of inappropriate, disruptive class-related behavior include, but are not limited to, the following:

Disruptive and disrespectful behavior on the part of any student will not be tolerated. Learning spaces that may involve a potential safety hazard to students under certain circumstances may inherently require that students adhere strictly to safety protocols, in addition to observing normal behavioral expectations. 

Under the authority of this Class-Related Behavior Policy, an instructor may require that a student leave the learning space if the student is disruptive and does not heed a verbal or written first warning. In the online environment, an instructor may use their discretion to delete inappropriate posts. Disruptive behavior on Academic Travel may result in immediate dismissal from the trip and a notification to Franklin.

Return of the student to the learning space may require a written pledge by the student to abide by the rules of expected class-related decorum or safety. Continued inappropriate conduct or safety violations may impact a student’s participation and/or engagement grade or be grounds for dismissal from the course in question for the remainder of the semester and a failing grade. 

If an instructor determines that a student should be dismissed from a class for the remainder of the semester with a failing grade due to their class-related behavior, the instructor will provide to the student a written notice of that decision, which will include a statement that the student may appeal the decision. A student who believes they can demonstrate bias, prejudice or arbitrariness in a decision taken under the Class-Related Behavior Policy may appeal the decision to the Associate Dean for Student Success. The student must forward the instructor’s decision to the Associate Dean for Student Success, together with a written explanation of the basis for the appeal. The Associate Dean for Student Success will address the appeal in a timely fashion and can decide to dismiss the appeal or to investigate further. On the basis of further investigation, the original decision can be upheld, modified, or overturned. A student may not attend classes in the course from which they have been dismissed while an appeal is pending.

In addition to action taken by instructors under the authority of this Class-Related Behavior Policy, action may also be taken separately by the Judicial Affairs Officer and/or the co-Chairs of the Judicial Board if a student’s class-related conduct may also constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct