Minor behavior problems are not serious enough to warrant immediate dismissal from a program, but they do have a negative effect on the program. Behavior problems that are allowed to continue may affect the atmosphere and morale of the entire group. Minor problems may escalate into major problems.
Examples of minor behavior problems include:
One way to prevent minor behavior problems is to be proactive in your coordination and communication. It is best to provide strong encouragement of positive behavior, rather than setting rules, unless you are prepared to enforce such rules. Be positive in your guidelines rather than creating a list of "Don't" rules since you will never be able to create a list of all possible negative behaviors. Informal common sense rules (such as travel in groups of at least three, always carry your cell phone, or notify the leader when you leave town) are fine, but more strict rules mean you will be taking on more responsibility and if the students should break them it becomes a liability issue.
Many problems arise because 1) poor behavior was ignored; 2) leaders took on responsibility and did not enforce the "rules;" or 3) leaders facilitated dangerous situations. If you tell students of potentially dangerous situations and they continue to engage in dangerous activities, you will not be liable for their behavior.
Although behavior agreements may be preventive, they are not binding contracts. Instead, include "tips" in the syllabus or orientation. Should behavior problems occur, and your guidelines are challenged, it is acceptable to defend by indicating that these policies were covered during orientation and that all students were expected to attend.
Here are a few creative ways to channel positive behavior, particularly when there is a potential for alcohol abuse:
Should problems arise, you may wish to discuss the situation individually with the student or students, or allow it to be openly discussed during a general debriefing session (see On-site Activities). It is not too late to have one, a few, or all students create and sign an individual or group agreement (see examples under Community-building). If you are unsure how to address certain problems, feel free to contact OSA to discuss your concerns.
Whether the behavioral problems are minor or significant, OSA recommends that you make a written record of your observations and discussions with the student. There is truth in the statement "Your pen is your power." Let a misbehaving student know that you are documenting his/her exact words. This can be especially effective if the student is using foul language or making accusations. Asking the student to repeat the words while you are writing them down can often be an effective way to prevent future verbal confrontations. Please brief OSA (through your study abroad coordinator) of such conversations. This allows OSA to begin a written record of events and provides documentation of early warnings should the behavior persist or worsen and dismissal is contemplated.
Should the behavior persist, OSA will continue to work with you to assess the situation and, if necessary, will facilitate the dismissal of a student from the program (see Procedures for Immediate Dismissal).
You are responsible for supervising students and monitoring behavior during program-related activities. Except for providing guidelines for safety and appropriate behavior, you are not responsible for student behavior outside of the scheduled program activities. Additionally, even though you may disapprove of certain behavior (such as student romantic involvement with locals), if it is during the student's personal time and does not disrupt the group learning process, you are not liable. If such behavior violates program rules (such as a requirement to stay in program accommodations or not travel alone at night), it thereby violates guidelines set in the student's Statement of Responsibility, and you may follow the suggested disciplinary procedures.
If a student's behavior during personal time impacts the group, talk privately to the student. Inform him/her of the impact of the behavior and tell him/her to either be more private or stop the behavior.
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