Class Related Behaviour

Each instructor is authorized to maintain a learning environment (including, but not limited to, classroom, Academic Travel, laboratory, online meetings, 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:

Spreading false and damaging information;
Any unauthorized use of electronic devices in the learning space;
Personal interactions during class;
Abusive language or epithets directed towards others;
Posting inappropriate online posts;
Continual refusal to comply with the directions of the instructor.
Chronic tardiness, leaving and returning during class or leaving class early without permission from the instructor;

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.

In addition, disruptive behavior on Academic Travel also includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Any actions which interfere with, or make more difficult, the fulfilment of the academic purpose of the trip are considered disruptive. This includes, but is not limited to, loud parties, excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, missing or arriving late to planned visits, or being in such a condition as to prejudice the academic purpose of the trip.
Any actions which interfere with another person’s rights or are disturbing to either Franklin students or residents of the place the student is visiting, are considered disruptive.
At all times while on Academic Travel, students should remember that they are representatives of Franklin and of their own countries.

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