Addressing Disruptive Behavior 

Faculty can include the suggested language below in their syllabi to help manage student behavior in online and in-person classes:  

Students who demonstrate disruptive behavior in the classroom, whether in person or virtually, are subject to policy Academic Affairs Policy #12, Disruption of Class. Disruptive behavior includes any inappropriate student behavior that a reasonable faculty member would view as interfering with the ability of instructors to teach and students to learn.

While taking virtual or in-person classes, students should conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and do their best to minimize distractions that might compromise the ability of themselves, other students, and the instructor to have a quality learning experience. The following language in the Student Handbook applies:

Disruptive Conduct

No student shall cause, incite or participate in any disturbance or behavior that creates an excessive inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm that interrupts an individual and/or the community, as determined by a reasonable person standard:

1. Includes on-campus, off-campus, and online or virtual environments.

2. Examples may include, but are not limited to: excessive noise (to include the unapproved use of sound amplification equipment); creating an unnecessary burden on university or first responder resources; or impeding a University Official, Law Enforcement Officer, or Medical Expert in the performance of their duties.

3. Disruptive conduct does not include speech or other forms of conduct that are protected under federal and state law or JMU Policy 1121.

This language can augment the technical assistance that Libraries has provided to help faculty manage disruptive behavior online. 

Class Recording and Distribution

Faculty can include the suggested language below in their syllabi if they plan to record their classes:  

Class sessions [may/will] be recorded by the instructor. Any recordings will be available only to the instructor(s) and students enrolled in the class during that particular class term. Students who have concerns about being recorded should contact the instructor privately and prior to the first recorded session to share those concerns or to request an alternate assessment option(s). Only instructors may record class sessions. Students are prohibited from unauthorized recording, and are prohibited from downloading recordings. Students requesting the use of assistive technology, including recording, as a reasonable accommodation should direct their request to the Office of Disability Services. See Academic Affairs Policy #15 Class Session Recordings and Distribution for further information.”   

Diversity and Inclusion

The Faculty Senate supports the SGA's resolution on campus inclusivity and passed a motion of support. Those who would like to incorporate a statement of diversity and inclusion in their syllabi may consider employing language contained in a motion passed by the Faculty Senate in 2019:

James Madison University is a community dedicated to diversity and inclusivity.
As faculty, we believe that learning environments should support a diversity of thoughts, perspectives, experiences, and identities. We invite you to share anything with us that might help create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

Reporting Resources for Students

Students have the right to access information and support when they experience negative interactions, microaggressions, harassment or discrimination.

If you have experienced discrimination, negative treatment, an accessibility challenge or need to report any violation of JMU community standards or accountability, you may make a report directly at Not@JMU.
Additionally, several campus offices are available to respond to your concerns:

• If you have experienced an accessibility challenge or have questions about disability services, contact the Office of Disability Services.  
• If you have experienced sexual misconduct or have questions about sex or gender discrimination, contact the Title IX Office.
• If you have experienced harassment or discrimination, contact the Office of Equal Opportunity. 
• To report a violation of JMU community standards or for questions about student accountability, contact the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices (OSARP).
• To report a concern or for questions about campus diversity, equity and inclusion, contact the Office of Access and Inclusion.