The instructional program at VCU is based upon the premise that students enrolled in a class or clinic are entitled to receive instruction free from interference by other students. Accordingly, in classrooms, laboratories, studios and other learning areas, students are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly and cooperative manner so that the faculty member can proceed with customary instruction. Faculty members (including graduate teaching assistants) may set reasonable standards for classroom behavior in order to meet these objectives. If a student believes that the behavior of another student is disruptive, the faculty member should be informed.
If a faculty member believes that a student’s behavior is disrupting the class and interfering with normal instruction, the faculty member may direct the student to leave the class or clinic for the remainder of the class period. In such circumstances, the faculty member is the sole judge that the student’s behavior is sufficiently disruptive to warrant a temporary dismissal from the classroom or clinic. Disruptive behavior on the part of the student may result in the filing of formal charges under the university’s Student Code of Conduct.