The Bethany College classroom is an academic environment. Students and faculty alike are responsible for creating a safe, respectful, and professional atmosphere where everyone can learn. Behaviors considered in violation of such principles are specifically defined in the Student Handbook and include the following categories: disruption of the learning environment, disrespectful or threatening behavior, academic misconduct beyond academic integrity, and failure to adhere to course policies. Students violating these policies are subject to the following consequences: verbal warning and documentation for a first and/or minor offense; written warning and/or removal from the class session for a second or more serious violation; and removal from the course by the Vice President for Academic Affairs or possible suspension from the school by the Dean of Students for continued or severe misconduct. Incidents involving student misconduct will be documented by faculty, and any student involved in a serious disruption will not be permitted to return to class until the incident has been formally reviewed and addressed.
Student Conduct Policy for Academic Spaces includes definitions of violations, penalties for violations, procedures for bringing charges, determination of responsibility, and an appeal process.
The following behaviors are considered violations of the Student Conduct Policy in academic spaces:
Disruption of the Learning Environment
Persistent talking during instruction
Interrupting the instructor or other students
Unauthorized use of electronic devices
Entering or exiting the room repeatedly without cause
Persistent open microphone during online instruction without cause
Disrespectful or Threatening Behavior
Use of abusive, derogatory, or discriminatory language
Intimidation, harassment, or threats toward faculty or peers
Refusal to comply with reasonable faculty instructions
Academic Misconduct Beyond Academic Integrity
Tampering with classroom equipment or materials
Unauthorized recording of class sessions
Sabotaging group projects or learning experiences
Failure to Adhere to Course Policies
Repeated refusal to follow published classroom expectations
Violating posted safety protocols (e.g., in labs)
Penalties will be proportional to the severity and frequency of the violation:
First Offense (Minor): Verbal warning and documentation
Second Offense or Serious Violation: Written warning and potential removal from the class session
Continued or Egregious Misconduct: Removal from course by Vice President for Academic Affairs or possible suspension by Dean of Students (see Policy Manual XII, Section 7.1 Student Code of Conduct).
Faculty must document each incident and inform the student of the observed violation.
Students involved in a serious disruption of the learning environment will not be permitted to return to class until the incident has been formally reviewed and addressed.