Students and staff have the right to a peaceful learning and working environment. Disruptive behaviour includes repeatedly talking over others, making inappropriate comments, mocking laughter or other belittling conduct during teaching. Disruptive behaviour can also occur in distance learning, by email or on social media.
If a fellow student is disrupting teaching, you can take the following steps:
- Raise the issue directly – tell the person clearly that you find their behaviour inappropriate and ask them to stop.
- Inform the teacher in charge of the course – the teacher has a duty to maintain a peaceful learning environment and the right to require a disruptive student to leave if necessary.
- Submit a harassment report (opens in a new tab), if the behaviour continues or is serious.
If the situation feels threatening or violent, see the page Concerned about a fellow student.