Student Discipline in the Classroom

Texas Southmost College supports the right of faculty to maintain discipline in the classroom. When a student is being disruptive in a classroom, clinical or other academic setting, the course instructor or clinical supervisor may temporarily or permanently remove that student from class according to the following procedures:

Step 1

Upon the first occurrence, the course instructor will:

  • Speak with the student and inform them that they have violated appropriate standards of classroom behavior.
  • Verbally warn the student that a repeat occurrence may result in permanent removal from the class.
  • Obtain a commitment from the student that inappropriate behavior will cease.
  • If the infraction is serious enough to warrant immediate removal from class, the course instructor may go directly to Step 2.
  • Document the situation and the conversation with the student.

Step 2

Upon the second occurrence, the course instructor may:

  • Withdraw the student from class and assign a grade of "W" or "F."
  • Document the situation and the conversation with the student.
  • Notify The Office of Civility. The Office of Civility may impose additional sanctions, up to and including suspension or expulsion from the College.

Appeal Process

The student may appeal the decision of the course instructor to the appropriate Program Director/Department Chair or, in the absence of a Program Director/Department Chair, to the Division
Dean. This appeal must be made in writing and received in the Program Director/Department Chair or Dean’s office within five (5) working days of the student’s receiving notice of the course instructor's decision.

  • Upon receipt of the appeal, the Program Director/Department Chair or Dean shall review the appeal, hear witnesses if he/she so chooses, and render a decision. The decision of the Program
    Director/Department Chair or Dean is final.
  • An appeal may result in one of the following:

*Affirm the action of the course instructor.

*Dismiss, reduce, modify, or increase the penalty imposed by the course instructor.

  • The student will be notified of the decision through their TSC e-mail address.