Ep. 089: Faculty Support for Student Care and Discipline
University instructors say both student behavioral and mental health concerns have increased sharply in the last few semesters. This can be challenging for faculty and academic staff, who often find themselves as the primary point of contact for students who act out or are otherwise in need. Importantly, faculty don’t have to go it alone.
In this episode, we explore how the Division of Student Affairs can help instructors in getting students the help they need—whether it’s in the form of care, counseling, or discipline. Dr. Donald Reed and Janice Blair showcase the different programs available and explain the important steps the Dean of Students Office takes to ensure each case is handled effectively and equitably. They discuss how faculty referrals work and what instructors should expect in terms of speed and outcomes. They and host Jim Gee also discuss approaches to deescalate disruptive behavior in teaching situations.
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Show Notes
This guide can help instructors navigate challenging conversations in class.
Check out our previous episodes with advice on handling difficult conversations and "hot moments" with your students:
The Dean of Students Office offers several ways to help students get connected with support, including the Redbird Care Team and Public Incident Reporting.
Instructors can always contact the Dean on Duty for advice or to report a concern with a student.
Here's Illinois State's official policy regarding classroom disruptions.
Download a transcript of this episode in Adobe PDF format.