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Faculty Handbook
Minor behavior problems
Minor behavior problems are not serious enough to warrant immediate dismissal from a program, but have a negative effect on the program. In addition, behavior allowed to continue may affect the atmosphere and morale of the entire group. Minor problems may escalate into major problems.
Examples of minor behavior problems include:
- excessive tardiness to class or class activities
- personality conflicts between program participants
- indifferent or rude behavior towards guests/guest speakers
One way to prevent minor behavior problems is to be proactive in your coordination and communication. It is best to provide strong encouragement of positive behavior, rather than setting rules, unless you are prepared to enforce such rules. Be positive in your guidelines rather than create a list of “Don’t” rules since you will never be able to create a list of all possible negative behaviors! Informal common sense rules (such as travel in groups of at least three, always carry your cell phone, or notify the leader when you leave town) are fine, but more strict rules mean you will be taking on more responsibility and if the students should breech them it becomes a liability issue.
Many problems arise because 1) poor behavior was ignored; 2) leaders took on responsibility and did not enforce the “rules;” or 3) leaders facilitated dangerous situations. If you tell student of potentially dangerous situations and they still proceed engaging in such situations, you will not be liable for their behavior.
Although behavior agreements may be preventative, they are not binding contracts. Instead, include “tips” in the syllabus or the orientation. Should behavior problems occur, and your guidelines are challenged, it is acceptable to defend by indicating that these policies were covered during orientation and all students were expected to attend.
Here are a few creative ways to channel positive behavior, particularly when there is a potential of alcohol abuse:
- Schedule evening classes so students use their evenings in the classroom instead of the pub;
- Select key students who can “tip” the program in a positive way - take advantage of their leadership and direction with their peers;
- Provide students with a list of free activities that are close by their accommodations that can serve as an alternative to drinking;
- Offer extra credit for students to take on fun investigating trips of things to do in the area, and have them report back to the group.
Should problems arise, you may wish to discuss the situation individually with the student or students, or allow it to be openly discussed during a general debriefing sessions (see “On-site Activities” where it is recommended that you meet regularly with students to discuss non-academic issues). It is not too late to have one, a few, or all students create and sign an individual or group agreement (see examples under “Community Building”). If you are unsure as to how to address certain problems, feel free to contact OSA to discuss your concerns.
Whether the behavioral problems are minor or significant, we recommend you make a written record of your observations and discussions with the student. There is truth in the statement that “Your pen is your power.” Let a misbehaving student know you are documenting his/her exact words. This can be especially effective if the student is using foul language or making accusations. Asking the student to repeat the words while you are writing it down can often be an effective way to prevent future verbal confrontations. We also recommend you brief OSA (through your study abroad coordinator) of such conversations. This allows OSA to begin a written record of events and provides documentation of early warnings, should the behavior persist or worsen and dismissal is contemplated.
Should the behavior persist, OSA will continue to work with you on assessing the situation and, if necessary, will facilitate the dismissal of a student from a program (see “Procedures for Immediate Dismissal” in the following section).
You are responsible for supervising students and monitoring behavior during program-related activities. Except for providing guidelines for safety and appropriate behavior, you are not responsible for student behavior outside of the scheduled program activities. Additionally, even though you may disapprove of certain behavior (such as student romantic involvement with locals), if it is during the student’s personal time and it does not disrupt the group learning process, you are not liable. If such behavior violates program rules (such as you are required to stay in program accommodations or cannot travel alone at night), it thereby violates guidelines set in the Statement of Responsibility, and you may follow the suggested disciplinary procedures.
If a student’s behavior during personal time impacts the group, talk privately to the student. Inform him/her of the impact of the behavior and tell him/her to either be more private or stop the behavior.
