We are now the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability!
As of August 20, 2024, the Office of Student Conduct and Office of Student Advocacy and Support have combined, and are now the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability. A new website is under construction. You can continue to find content related to student disciplinary measures on this website. For items related to the former Office of Student Advocacy and Support, please visit their old website.
Faculty/Staff
Welcome to the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability!
Faculty and staff members can be confronted by situations with students that should be directed to our office. These situations include: Academic Dishonesty, Disruptive Behavior, and other violations of the university’s Standards of Conduct. Please use the resources in this area and determine the best course of action.
What is my responsibility as an employee of Marshall University?
Most students come to college with fears and uncertainty. Whether they are right out of high school or returning to college after a decade or more in the workplace, students fear failing tests, not fitting in with peers, and appearing ignorant in front of their classmates. Being afraid to ask questions, express opinions, or join group discussions can greatly hinder a student’s learning.
But you can create an environment that nurtures their confidence and allows them to explore and expand their knowledge without undue risk or fear. You can ensure that the campus environment supports your safety by being aware of your campus emergency resources. You can also have a very strong impact on the tone of the campus environment by employing simple behavioral management techniques from the first day and being consistent. Finally, you can help develop your students’ sense of integrity, social responsibility, and professionalism through Marshall’s Student Rights and Responsiblities.
All students and employees of the University are expected to know and understand the Student Rights and Responsibilities and confront situations that violate these terms. If you witness violations of the university’s Standards of Conduct, then you should file a report with our office. Anonymous reporting of incidents is allowed but discouraged, because it limits the ability of the office to gather further information and adequately address the issue. Every effort will be made to protect confidentiality of witnesses, where possible, particularly where a safety concern exists.
The BIT addresses and helps at-risk students obtain the needed supports and assistance to be successful at Marshall University. If you observe any type of concerning behavior with a student, please consider reaching out to the BIT.
Don’t tolerate behaviors, but don’t take them personally, either.
Stick to your written policies (faculty, make sure these are outlined clearly in the syllabus).
Keep in mind that some behaviors are annoying, but usually harmless. Realize that in many cases, it’s a maturity issue or a lack of academic preparation or socialization.
Remind students that you work with many students, not just one. “I have the same rules for everyone.”
Pull students aside to talk with them privately, instead of in front of others.
Counsel the student on the benefits of discontinuing the behavior. For example: “I understand that you have a lot to say, but your constant talking is disrupting the class for the other students. I don’t want to have to separate you, but I will if necessary.”
Talk with colleagues for ideas.
Stay in communication with your supervisor if you are concerned.
Document any meetings you have with students and make reports to our office or any consistent behavior problems.
3 Steps For Responding to Campus Disruption
For minor disruption: ask the student to stop the behavior.
For repeated disruption that interferes with the ability to maintain learning or business environment: tell students to leave the classroom/area for the day.
For any threatening language or behavior, direct or indirect, or if student does not respond to direction to leave classroom/area, call Marshall University Police at 304-696-4357, and submit an incident report as soon as it is safe to.
Marshall University encourages each student to make a personal commitment to academic integrity. In addition, faculty members also have responsibility to define and set guidelines for academic integrity in their courses as well as act on any violation of the Standards of Conduct.
In cases of alleged academic dishonesty, the Office of Student Advocacy and Accountability is a resource for both students and faculty members.
Common Behavioral Issues
Many of these issues can be handled with traditional classroom management techniques, but here are a few suggestions for dealing with each issue. As always, if there is a concern of safety involved, please report the concern to our office. Any of the problems below could escalate into a serious behavioral issue, so if you feel that feel that the tips below are not working and the situation is worsening, please contact your supervisor or our office.
Cell Phones
Make clear your policy from day 1.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
If appropriate, use humor.
Tardiness, Leaving Early or Frequently
Make clear your policy from day 1.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
Focus on the effect on the class and the content they miss.
Give the student a chance to explain what’s going on. If necessary, consider making a report to the BIT.
Inappropriate Chatter
Casually move towards the students who are talking.
Ask for their input on the subject (not sarcastically).
Call on others near them.
Make a general statement about needing everyone’s attention.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
Domination of Class Discussions
Ask others to add to the student’s response. “Thank you for bringing that up John, would anyone like to add to his response?”
Call on individuals.
Ask for answers from different sections of the room.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
Sleeping
Stand near the student.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
Focus on the effect on the class and the content they miss.
Give the student a chance to explain what’s going on. If necessary, consider making a report to the BIT.
Disagreement or Negativity
Remain calm and professional.
Acknowledge the student’s feelings, and ask them to fully explain/support their argument.
Point out requirements or policies.
Mention how you will follow up on the conversation.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
Disrespect
Stay calm and remember that there may be other issues going on.
Talk very quietly with the student and tell them you can speak with them after class.
Give the student a way to back down without losing face.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class.
Give the student a chance to explain what’s going on. If necessary, consider making a report to the BIT.
Inappropriate Flirting
Talk to the student outside of class about the inappropriate behavior.
Share with the student that their actions can be considered harassment.
Take note of the situation and document each time it happens.
Ask the student to stay and talk after class. Share campus resources with them.
Give the student a chance to explain what’s going on. If necessary, consider making a report to the BIT.
Excessive Absences
Make clear your policy from day 1.
Give the student a chance to explain what’s going on. If necessary, consider making a report to the BIT.
Do not meet alone with a student whom you feel may be a threat to your personal safety. Instead of asking to meet after class, schedule a specific appointment so that you have time to prepare for the meeting. You may call a member of the Behavioral Intervention Team for consultation or assistance prior to the meeting.
Alert and confer with your Department Chair and/or colleagues as to when the student will be meeting with you and ask one of them to either be on standby or to join in the meeting.
As an employee of Marshall, you may often be the first to observe signs of distress or trouble in students. Be aware of the following indicators of distress. Early recognition, intervention and referral are keys to getting someone help. Look for patterns or changes in behavior, not just isolated symptoms.
When to Be Concerned
Dramatic changes in personal hygiene, work performance or social behavior
Isolation or withdrawal, alienating members of their support systems
Excessive fatigue/sleep disturbance
Intoxication, hangovers or smelling of alcohol
Disoriented or seeming “out of it”
Garbled, tangential, disconnected or slurred speech
Signs and Symptoms of Distress
Self-disclosure of personal distress, such as family problems or financial difficulties, or talk of grief or suicide
Unusual/disproportional emotional response to events
Student expressing fear, concern or worry about a coworker
Irritability or unusual apathy
Safety Risk Indicators
Unprovoked anger, hostility or aggressive behavior
Physical violence (shoving, grabbing, assault)
Implying or making a direct threat to harm self or others
Stalking or harassing behavior
Making threats via email, text or phone
Extreme anxiety or panic
Talk of guns or other dangerous, violent topics
What You Can Do
If you find yourself worried or alarmed about a student who is troubled or distressed, you have resources: