Protocol Leading to Student Discipline for Classroom Misconduct
The Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District expects that everyone be treated
with respect. For students, we have the Student Code of Conduct (located in the College
Course Schedule, and the GCCCD Student Disciplinary Procedures handbook) which we
expect all students to follow. The Grossmont College maintains that the faculty of record
has control of their classroom and are responsible for keeping the environment one that is
conducive to learning. Within the aforementioned handbook faculty have the discretion
to issue a TWO DAY (2) REMOVAL FROM CLASS BY INSTRUCTOR (EDUCATION Code
76032). This removal should only be issued according to the following protocols
demonstrable of progressive discipline.

It is very important to indicate on the course syllabus that “any behavior that
impedes the process of instruction or distracts others such that learning is
inhibited is not tolerated and will be considered a breech of the Student Code of
Conduct and be addressed accordingly.” Or, some similar language that sets the
tone for the instructional environment.

At the first sign of misbehavior in an instructional environment or behavior that
impedes the learning of others the faculty of record should note the behavior and
address it as inappropriate and disruptive. Some examples include talking to
other students while the professor is lecturing or giving instructions, using a cell
phone, pager, or any devise that creates noise or sound that may be a distraction,
playing, fighting, arguing, or any such behavior that distracts.

It is recommended that all faculty balance the privacy rights of individuals with
the rights of other students when addressing disturbances in the classroom. After
meeting with the student(s) privately to discuss the misbehavior the faculty
member should document the discussion and inform the student(s) of same and
that further breeches may lead to more severe discipline. If possible, make a copy
of the documentation and present it to the student(s) for their records.

If the disruptive behavior continues after the warning the faculty of record can
either issue a second warning (duplicating the same process as mentioned above)
or request from the Associate Dean of Student Affairs the template used for the
TWO DAY (2) REMOVAL FROM CLASS BY INSTRUCTOR (EDUCATION CODE
76032)
(located on the Forms Depot). The Associate Dean will answer any questions
regarding disruptive behavior, but the role of administering the sanction remains
the purview of the faculty of record.
If the TWO DAY (2) REMOVAL FROM CLASS BY INSTRUCTOR (EDUCATION CODE 76032)
is the option chosen by the professor he/she should meet with the offending student(s)
apart from the class, but with a witness (usually another colleague or Department Chair)
to present them with the completed letter informing them of the TWO DAY (2) REMOVAL
FROM CLASS BY INSTRUCTOR (EDUCATION CODE 76032).

A copy of the letter should then be provided to the Associate Dean of Student
Affairs for his/her records.

The offending student(s) should be informed by the professor that they should
make an appointment with the Department Chair or Division Dean before they are
allowed to return to the classroom.
After meeting with the Department Chair or Division Dean the student can return to the
classroom with an understanding that further violations of our Student Code of Conduct
will result in stronger discipline that will be determined by either the Associate Dean or a
disciplinary hearing panel.
There are occasions when the TWO DAY (2) REMOVAL FROM CLASS BY INSTRUCTOR
(EDUCATION CODE 76032). Chief among them are acts of academic dishonesty—
cheating or plagiarism. While these are egregious and not tolerated the intent of the TWO
DAY (2) REMOVAL FROM CLASS BY INSTRUCTOR (EDUCATION CODE 76032) is to
correct “disruptive behavior” in the instructional environment after appropriate warnings
have been issued. The Grossmont Academic Senate is discussing a College-Wide
protocol for addressing academic dishonesty. It is recommended that faculty include their
sanction for cases of academic dishonesty in their syllabus.