FAQ

Tips for Working with Potentially Violent Students

• Assess your level of safety. If you believe that a student is at imminent risk of harm to self or others, contact Public Safety immediately at 206-296-5911.  You are not expected to engage with a student who is making you feel unsafe in any way.
  
  
• Ask the student to leave the classroom so that you may speak away from the other students. Remain in an open area with a visible means of escape.
  
  
• Remain calm to avoid further escalation.
  
  
• Explain to the student the behaviors that are unacceptable. Be respectful, but set clear and firm limits: "I see that you are upset. For us to have a conversation, I need you to…" Be clear and precise in the words you use. Acknowledge the student's feelings when appropriate; be reassuring.
  
  
• Be patient and listen carefully to find out whether the student understands what you are saying. You may have to repeat yourself.
  
  
• Be concrete. Try to identify a specific issue and suggest something that can be done to address it. For example, you may suggest that the student accompany you to Counseling & Psychological Services (Pavilion 120). 
  
  
• Use a time-out strategy (i.e. ask the student to reschedule a meeting with you once they have calmed down).
  
  Refer the student to the CARE Team for further support. 

What to Avoid

• Staying in a situation in which you feel unsafe.
• Meeting alone with the student.
• Engaging in a screaming match or behaving in other ways that escalate the situation.
• Ignoring signs that the student's anger is escalating.
• Crowding the student; observe their sense of personal space.
• Treating the student with hostility or condescension.
• Criticizing the student.
• Making sudden movements.

Do Not:

• Touch the student.
• Slouch, glare, or sigh at the student.
• Make threats or ultimatums.