Skip to Main Content

Office of Student Conduct Division of Student Affairs

Support Page Content

Staff

How To Refer A Disciplinary Matter To Student Conduct

Although University staff members are always welcome to consult with a Student Conduct staff member by contacting conduct@csus.edu or calling (916) 278-6060, please use the Incident Reporting Form when referring conduct matters or students who have violated the Student Conduct Code (Title 5).

The report should contain the name and ID number of the accused student(s) if known, a summary of the incident, and contact information for the referring party along with any witnesses. Be sure to attach any supporting evidence or documentation when submitting your report.

Submit A Report

Responding To Difficult & Inappropriate Behavior

Inappropriate student behavior that impacts the office or department environment should be addressed in a calm clear manner. Examples of difficult behavior may include using a rude, aggressive tone or language; intentionally talking over staff who are attempting to answer a student's questions, or inundating staff with repetitive emails or phone calls.

Proactive Practices for a Professional Environment

  • Set standards/clarify expectations/notify students
  • Develop office protocol for dealing with issues
  • Establish consequences including conditions under which a student would be asked to leave the office or a phone call politely ended
  • Train staff

Strategies for Responding to Difficult & Inappropriate Behavior

  • Early intervention
  • Progressive
  • Consistent
  • Consult with supervisor
  • Meet with student
  • Report student to Student Conduct, if appropriate Conduct Code Violation
  • Report to University Police, if appropriate

Meeting with the Student

  • Remain calm
  • Be specific about the inappropriate behavior the student has exhibited. Describe the behavior, don't focus on the person. Explain why the behavior is a problem
  • Ask questions and summarize
  • Conclude by summarizing any resolution and articulating expectations for the future. Be clear that violations of the Student Conduct Code may result in a referral to the Office of Student Conduct for disciplinary action
  • Maintain written documentation of the interaction
  • Politely conclude the conversation if it becomes apparent that the student is unwilling or unable to listen to your concerns and requests

Addressing Difficult Or Sensitive Matters

When addressing difficult or sensitive matters involving students, staff members have several campus resources available to them for support and consultation.

  • Consultation with Student Health, Counselling & Wellness, (916) 278-6461, may be appropriate when a student is struggling with a personal issue, experiencing stress or a mental health crisis.
  • For more urgent or troubling matters, please contact CARES
  • You may also contact Student Conduct at (916) 278-6060 when you are concerned that the student behavior may also be a violation of University standards.
  • University Police should be contacted immediately regarding any situation in which you believe that a student may be a danger to self or others. Emergency: 911 from campus phones, Non-emergency: (916) 278-6000.