When Students Attack

A recent incident in class where I was blatantly and openly attacked has given inspiration for a posting about how to manage this type of behavior. Disclaimer: This very rarely happens. This is the first time in several years of being an online student that I was attacked. In fact, the first time ever. The attack was both personal and professional.

Sure, there are flame wars, tough exchanges, and sometimes commanding arguments. That should be expected in an free environment that is designed to generate knowledge and grow people. Mountains are not built without earthquakes. That said, attacks from other students are not part of that growth experience and need to be handled carefully. So here is how:

1. Contact your professor and seek corrective action
2. Consult the Student Code of Conduct for violations and work with the professor on it
3. Work with the professor to separate the perpetrator from your learning experience
4. Find ways to complete the work without interaction of the attacker
5. Always keep your Academic Adviser in the loop

Bear in mind that most professors despise any ugliness in a classroom. This includes resolving the matter where disruption or difficult corrective action might be the right solution. In any case you feel as though you, the victim, are being punished or unfairly treated in the solution; choose your battle. Is this solution so awful that you cannot bear it? If so, say something. Is the solution mildly inconvenient? You might choose to move forward with some pain but move forward none the less.

Regardless of the outcome, always consult your Academic Adviser.

Image Source: Feuillu

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