Classroom Management 102 ~ Follow Policy, Process, and Legislation

For my second post on "Classroom Management" I researched on the Vancouver Community College (VCC) website for policy and process on expectations for instructors and students when it comes to trouble in the classroom and campus. Putting myself into the role of an instructor and asking the question: "If I was an Instructor that worked for VCC what would the right way look like"?

Should the mood of one, or many, of the students shift to the negative within the classroom or campus grounds, the first rule of thumb is to ensure my self-awareness and emotional intelligence are in place before responding. That definitely, does not mean I can ignore the behaviour as that would constitute condoning of such behaviour.

I must remember that while performing my work it is not my prerogative to respond in my own personal way. Instead, respond as an instructor employed by Vancouver Community College (VCC)  I would be expected to behave in a professional manner that reflects the highest standard of conduct in accordance with the VCC Code of Ethics.

I would be expected to demonstrate kindness and consideration in my treatment of students, colleagues, and members of the greater society. Be fair and respectful. Have an open mind and be tolerant to view points of others; not insist that mine are the only ones that are right. Above all build an environment where students feel trust and cooperation.

At the beginning of each course I would communicate the expectations on attendance, provide program content guides, and how grades will be awarded. Students are expected to educate themselves on all pertinent VCC policies, process and expectations.

If a student is behaving in a disrupt-full manner my first action would be to connect with the student to try to understand what the issue is and if appropriate refer them to meet with a VCC Councillor or other resources appropriate/relevant to the situation. Consider that all behaviour is driven by a reason. As an instructor I must address issues as they arise using best practices, internal policies, process and external legislation.

During the course or on campus if a student i.e. mistreats VCC property or equipment, cheats, smokes, drinks alcohol, eats or behaves in a disrespectful or violent way there are specific steps that I would follow. Knowing that I, as a employee, am expected to maintain professionalism and respect for others and follow policy and procedures of VCC, local, provincial, and federal legislation.

Under the laws of British Columbia 00_96052_01#section 37 the President of the VCC institution has the right to suspend and deal with a matter of student discipline. If suspended the President is required to report to the Board immediately. The President also has the right to suspend staff for just cause. All according to VCC policies, process, and other applicable legislation. Both students and employees have a right to an appeal.

Students appealing a suspension by the President must follow process under the Student Appeals to the College Board Policy (A.1.2) and be submitted within ten business days of the date of the President's notification of suspension from the College (related policy D.4.5)

To this I say, "That my dear is the way the Cookie Crumbles"!

References:

http://www.vcc.ca/deptUploads/policies/codeOfEthics.pdf

http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96052_01#section37

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/appropriate-use-educational-informaton-technology-plain-language-policy-b-05-02-plain.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/course-program-grading-policy-c-01-01.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/programs/provincial-instructor-participant-handbook.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/student-code-of-conduct-d-04-03-policy.pd

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/student-code-of-conduct-d-04-03-appendix-b.pdf

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/policies/student-required-withdraw-policy-d-04-04.pdf

Title: Student Required to Withdraw Policy Effective Date: September 8, 1998 Policy Category: Education Support Number: D.4.4

http://www.vcc.ca/media/vancouver-community-college/content-assets/documents/governance/board-of-governors/student-educational-conduct-procedures-d-04-05.pdf