Conduct in class:

Sadly, on occasion, students disrupt class and make learning unpleasant or impossible for other students or teaching unpleasant or impossible for the teacher.  Sometimes such disruptive students feel marginalized because they believe they lack the language proficiency needed to participate in a positive manner - and seek to compensate for on-topic participation with off-topic comments, typically in English. Other students consider themselves funny or say they want to try "to lighten the mood" even though others in the class might not share this view. On even rarer occasions, students behave deliberately and outright disrespectfully toward the instructor and/or classmates.  Whatever these students' reasons, certain behaviors are unacceptable in a class in which everyone (else) wants to learn and is paying tuition in expectation of a positive learning environment. 

The class instructor is concerned with maintaining a welcoming environment for everyone, all students and the instructor him/herself.  Examples of unacceptable behavior are (1) speaking out of turn (interrupting) and/or making off-the-topic comments; (2) soliciting other students for activities that clearly are non-participatory (e.g., whispering off-the-topic comments to one's neighbor); (3) making fun of other students or the instructor; (4) refusing (directly or indirectly) to participate in class activities; (4) displays of bad temper, such as throwing down assignments or shouting at the instructor or other students; (5) extensive use of English for comments that do not contribute to class discussions; (6) cursing or using lewd language in English or German; or (7) sending derogatory messages (e.g., emails) to or making unwanted out-of-class contact with the instructor or other students in the course. 

We sincerely hope that everyone is willing to see others' points of view and to approach others with their best interest at heart - and that everyone is willing to give others the benefit of the doubt and not assume right away that they are "out to get them".  Unfortunately, we cannot legislate such attitudes or behaviors.  Generally, if such misconduct occurs, the instructor will first attempt to raise the issue with the student directly and privately, probably keeping a record of the conversation or message. However, in cases of persistent serious non-academic (i.e., behavior) misconduct, instructors can ask students to leave the class and/or course; seek intervention via the Dean of Students office; assess academic penalties, such as a reduction in the participation grade, or seek other forms of recourse.

For examples of non-academic misconduct and relevant procedures and penalties, please visit: http://www.wisc.edu/students/conduct/uws17.htm