6.6.1 Classroom Management

The following policies apply to all students at Blue Ridge Community College. Instructors should adhere to the following guidelines in carrying out daily activities in all Blue Ridge Community College learning environments defined herein as any venue, on or off campus, under the general supervision of college faculty, including but not limited to, classrooms, laboratories, clinical sites, and college grounds. Such venues also include distance learning (e.g., online communication, interactive video, etc.)

1. Promptness − Punctuality is a valuable habit desired by all employers. Instructors can help to develop this habit in their students by meeting their scheduled classes or other meetings at the time designated, and by insisting that students also arrive on time. In the event that an instructor fails to meet class within fifteen (15) minutes past the designated starting time, students are to sign their names on a roll and are then excused.
2. Housekeeping − Prospective students, prospective employers of students, and numerous other interested individuals will constantly be visiting the College. Therefore, it is extremely important that each individual in the school be active in helping to maintain an orderly and well-organized appearance. The proper attitude toward clean and orderly shops, labs, and other workspaces can be passed on to the student by the attitude and actions of the instructor. Each instructor can aid the custodial staff by ensuring that the following duties and regulations are carried out.
   1. Smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products is prohibited in all buildings and facilities and on College grounds. Food is not allowed in classrooms; however instructors may permit beverages if kept in a spill-proof container.
   2. Paper and other materials which accumulate during the day are to be picked up prior to leaving the classroom.
   3. All tools are to be locked in their proper storage place at the end of each class or day.
   4. Furniture is to be left in an orderly appearance. In general, disarrangement of a classroom as a result of teaching activities shall be corrected by the students in the class under the supervision of the instructor in charge.
   5. All labs are to be secured according to established departmental procedures.
3. Discipline − Effective discipline must be maintained in all learning environments. Each instructor has the responsibility of handling any discipline problems that arise in class. Extreme cases are to be referred to the Vice President for Student Services. Upon request by the instructor, administrators will serve as mediators in extreme problems concerning discipline. Prolonged disruptive activities by students or groups of students will not be condoned by the College. Any conduct that endangers the success of the student or others shall be cause for immediate dismissal from the class at the instructor's discretion. Inappropriate student conduct shall not be allowed to continue beyond reasonable limits. The more severe the disruption caused by the student's conduct, the greater liability the College may incur. In general, the instructor is not to condone stealing, cheating, gambling of any type, the drinking of alcoholic beverages, use of drugs, personal combat, loud, profane, or boisterous language, or any other conditions on the campus which would be considered unbecoming to an adult member of the student body. The possession of dangerous weapons, drugs, or alcoholic beverages on campus is in violation of state laws and should immediately be reported to the administration of the College. Refer toSec. 4.15.1Harassment/Discipline regarding control and discipline of students.
4. Professional Appearance − The instructor's appearance should present a professional image. It should be appropriate to the area of training as students in certain areas formulate habits on the basis of their instructor's appearance.
5. Safety − The teaching of the proper attitude toward safety is the responsibility of every instructor at Blue Ridge Community College. The instructor's habits and attitude toward safety have a great influence on the habits and attitude formulated by the students. It is extremely important that the following safety regulations be utilized by all instructors:
   1. Safety rules and regulations specific for each program of instruction are to be posted on laboratory and shop bulletin boards. For a complete listing of safety rules, refer toSec. 9.3.1Campus Safety of this Manual.
   2. The proper procedures for the use of dangerous equipment should be demonstrated by the instructor. Hazards should always be pointed out in advance. This aspect of safety training is to be utilized prior to any student being allowed to use equipment and machinery.
   3. The instructor must always be present in shops and laboratories when machinery or equipment is being used by students. In the event the instructor must leave the area, another instructor should be placed in charge or the shop should be locked.
   4. Jewelry or loose clothing should not be worn when operating moving equipment. If neckties are worn, they should be of the bow or breakaway type.
   5. Unauthorized students are prohibited from using equipment and machinery.
   6. Long hair must be tied at the back and placed under a hat or some type of covering while working in any of the vocational shops.
   7. North Carolina law requires that eye protective devices be worn by students, teachers, and visitors to the instructional area where any of the following activities are conducted:
      1. Working with hot solids, liquids, or molten metal.
      2. Milling, sawing, turning, shaping, cutting, or stamping of any solid materials.
      3. Heat-treating, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or other material.
      4. Welding of any type.
      5. Repairing or servicing any vehicle.
      6. Using caustic or explosive chemicals or materials.
6. Any visitor to a classroom, shop, or laboratory, must be accompanied by an employee of the College.  Refer to 9.6.1 Visitors on Campus for more information. 
7. Children of students are not to be left unattended anywhere on campus and are not permitted to attend classroom sessionswithout specific permission from the appropriate Dean.
8. Special permission must be obtained from the instructor before a spouse or friend may audit a class session.
9. Equipment and Furniture − It is the instructor's responsibility to see that the equipment and furniture for each area is maintained. Abuse of equipment or furniture by students will not be tolerated. Longer life and better care may be derived from equipment and furniture if the instructor will utilize the following practices:
   1. Stress the importance and cost of equipment and furniture.
   2. Emphasize that there is a proper tool or piece of equipment for each job.
   3. Demonstrate and utilize recommended preventative maintenance methods. This includes keeping equipment clean.
   4. Emphasize that equipment and furniture are not to be loaned or removed from the premises for any purpose. Special consideration may be given this regulation when pre-arranged field trips or other conditions warrant the use of equipment away from the school. Prior arrangements must be made with the appropriate administrator.
   5. Repair damaged or broken equipment whenever possible. Damage and loss of equipment is to be reported to the Division of Finance. New equipment must be checked and processed by the Division of Finance prior to its disbursement to classrooms or laboratories. Thereafter, the instructor in charge of each area shall be responsible for accountability and care of the equipment and furniture in that area.
10. For procedures on first aid and accident reporting, refer to9.11.1of this Manual. For procedures on emergency response, refer to Sec. 9.1.1Emergency Response Procedures and to the Campus Emergency Response Plan outlined in notebooks available in classrooms, labs, and common areas.