University Policy 3240
Download a Printable Version of Policy 3240
Effective Date
February 02, 2021
Last Revision Date
August 14, 2025
Responsible Party
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, (208) 426-1212
Associate Vice President for Public Safety, (208) 426-3911
Office of the Dean of Students, (208) 426-1527
Scope and Audience
This policy applies to all University instructors and students.
Additional Authority
- University Policy 4000 (Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct)Effective Date
- Idaho Code § 33-3716 (Miscellaneous Provisions Relating to State Institutions of Learning)
- Idaho State Board of Education Policy, Section III.B. (Academic Freedom and Academic Responsibility)
- Idaho State Board of Education Policy, Section III.P. (Students)
- University Policy 1060 (Non-discrimination and Anti-harassment)
- University Policy 1065 (Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking)
- University Policy 1075 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability)
- University Policy 2020 (Student Code of Conduct)
- University Policy 2080 (Equal Access for Students with Disabilities)
- University Policy 4000 (Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct)
- University Policy 12020 (Exclusion from Campus)
- University Policy 12050 (Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment)
1. Policy Purpose
To provide guidance to instructors in maintaining and fostering an environment in which instructors may teach and students may pursue learning outcomes without interference.
2. Policy Statement
Instructors have the professional responsibility and authority to maintain effective Learning Environments. Instructors at Boise State University are granted the independent authority to dismiss students from an instructor-led Learning Environment for reasons consistent with this policy. Students are expected to adhere to University Policy 2020 (Student Code of Conduct), which this policy reinforces and supports.
3. Definitions
3.1 Learning Environment
The diverse physical locations, virtual spaces, and contexts in which students learn (e.g., online course, lab, in the field, classroom, etc.).
3.2 Learning Activity
Lecture, discussion, laboratory, field study, or other activity facilitated by an instructor while teaching a course offered by Boise State to its students.
3.3 Disruptive Behavior
Student behavior that, based on the instructor’s reasonable discretion, materially interferes with learning and normal academic functions and that continues after an instructor’s direction to cease. Examples may include, but are not limited to:
- Any behavior(s) so pervasive or persistent, or a single egregious offense, that substantially interferes with the Learning Environment;
- Behavior that impedes other students’ ability to achieve the learning outcomes of the course;
- Any behavior that interferes with the instructor’s ability to effectively teach;
- Behavior that may cause individuals in the Learning Environment to reasonably fear for their safety and well-being; and/or
- Threats of physical violence.
3.4 Temporary Dismissal
A student dismissal from the Learning Environment for up to two (2) class periods, or the equivalent, due to Disruptive Behavior. A Temporary Dismissal is made at the instructor’s discretion. Multiple temporary dismissals from the Learning Environment are sufficient grounds for Permanent Dismissal and are also made at the instructor’s discretion. Temporary Dismissals are not subject to automatic procedural review as outlined in Section 7.
3.5 Permanent Dismissal
Dismissal of a student from participating in a course for the remainder of the semester when appropriate dismissal steps are followed (see section 5.4 for the required steps for Permanent Dismissal). The decision for Permanent Dismissal is made by the instructor, in consultation with their Department Chair or equivalent. Permanent dismissal is subject to automatic procedural review by the Office of the Dean of Students (see section 7 for information on the procedural review process). Permanent dismissal from a course will result in a transcript notation of a Withdrawal (“W”).
4. Responsibilities
If the disruptive behavior is an immediate safety concern (e.g., threat to safety and well-being and/or a threat of physical violence, etc.), call the Department of Public Safety at (208) 426-6911 or submit a CARE Alert. If the behavior is not an immediate threat but may violate the Student Code of Conduct (University Policy 2020), file a report with the Office of the Dean of Students.
4.1 Instructor Responsibilities
a. Instructors are responsible for fostering Learning Environments that allow all students to pursue their education without others interfering with their learning. Instructors are responsible for ensuring students may express views relevant to the conversations and/or material engaged in the Learning Environment. Instructors set parameters for the manner in which views are expressed such that they both invite rigorous intellectual discourse and engagement while meeting academic integrity requirements and the course expectations. Instructors also must adhere to University Policies 1075 (Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability) and 2080 (Equal Access to Students with Disabilities).
b. Instructors should, as a matter of practice, retain records of Disruptive Behavior for a reasonable period of time.
4.2 Student Responsibilities
a. As members of an academic community, students have rights and responsibilities. Students have the right to engage in their education and contribute to the Learning Environment while also being responsible for ensuring their contributions adhere to the expectations of that Learning Environment and support the achievement of learning outcomes.
4.3 Department Chair/Unit Head Responsibilities
a. Assist the instructor as necessary for the purpose of the required student meeting after a Temporary Dismissal to identify conditions for returning to the Learning Environment and mitigating concerns that may result in Permanent Dismissal.
b. Consult with the instructor on a Permanent Dismissal
5. Instructor’s Procedures for Temporary and/or Permanent Dismissal
5.1 Responding to Student Behavior
a. Instructors should explore preventative and early intervention strategies to address the behavior and reduce repeat or ongoing behavior prior to Permanent Dismissal. The Center for Teaching and Learning and the Department Chair or equivalent are available to assist instructors in mitigating behavioral issues. Additional guidance can be found in the Guidance on Maintaining Effective Learning Environments.
5.2 Dismissal from a Course
a. When a student engages in Disruptive Behavior, the instructor may dismiss the student(s) from the Learning Environment to secure the effectiveness and integrity of the Learning Environment for all students. Dismissal may be temporary or permanent. The following sections (5.3 and 5.4) describe the required steps for each type of dismissal.
b. An instructor may also dismiss a student from participating in any Learning Environment when the student otherwise violates University Policy 2020 (Student Code of Conduct). The instructor may alternatively or also refer the student(s) to the Office of the Dean of Students for further disciplinary action review.
5.3 Temporary Dismissal from Participating in the Learning Environment
a. An instructor may temporarily dismiss a student from participating in the Learning Environment for violations of this policy for up to two (2) class periods, or the equivalent. If the behavior occurs in an online environment or during an online Learning Activity, the faculty member has the discretion to limit the student’s engagement as appropriate to end the disruption. The following steps must be taken to temporarily dismiss a student from participating in the Learning Environment:
- Provide written notice to the student of the Temporary Dismissal within one (1) university business day via their student email. This should include a directive about the student’s ongoing engagement in Learning Activities during the Temporary Dismissal.
- Report the Temporary Dismissal to their Department Chair or equivalent, and their Dean prior to the class period immediately following the dismissible incident.
b. The instructor must then arrange a meeting with the student to review the Temporary Dismissal and identify conditions for returning to class. A third-party advocate (e.g., Department Chair or equivalent, colleague, Associate Dean, ASBSU representative) may be requested by the instructor and/or the student.
5.4 Permanent Dismissal from a Course
An instructor, in consultation with their Department Chair or equivalent, may permanently dismiss a student. The following steps must be followed by the instructor to permanently dismiss a student from a course
a. Prepare a Statement of Fact (SOF). The SOF must include:
- The name and ID number of the student being dismissed;
- Specific reasons for the Permanent Dismissal;
- The factual details of the incident, including applicable dates, times, or places; and
- Supporting documentation (e.g., emails, discussion board posts, etc.) and witness information, as applicable.
b. Submit the SOF to the Department Chair or equivalent, the college Dean, and the Office of the Dean of Students prior to the class period immediately following the dismissible incident.
c. Notify the student, via their student email, of the Permanent Dismissal. Absent extenuating circumstances, the instructor must provide official notification of the Permanent Dismissal to the student. This notification must include information regarding the automatic procedural review as outlined in section 7.
6. Student Obligations Following Temporary Dismissal
a. The student must comply immediately with the instructor’s directive, including leaving the Learning Environment if instruction is ongoing. If the disruption occurs in an online Learning Environment or during an online Learning Activity, the student must comply with faculty directives about engagement. Non-compliance may be subject to disciplinary review under the Student Code of Conduct (Policy 2020).
b. After a Temporary Dismissal, the student must meet with their instructor to review the dismissal and identify conditions for returning to the Learning Environment. Either the student or the instructor may request that a third party (e.g., Department Chair or equivalent, colleague, Associate Dean, ASBSU representative) join the meeting. The student may not return or otherwise engage in the Learning Environment until they have met with the instructor.
7. Procedural Review
a. All Permanent Dismissals are subject to automatic procedural review by the Office of the Dean of Students. The procedural review will occur within three (3) university business days, commencing upon receipt of the SOF and notification from the instructor of the decision to permanently dismiss a student.
- During the pendency of the review, the student must not attend or otherwise engage in the course.
- The Dean of Students will report the result of the procedural review to the Dean of the college/school or equivalent and the student.
b. Nothing in this policy is intended to limit a student’s constitutionally protected rights outside of the Learning Environment. A student who believes they have been treated unfairly may file an Academic Grievance under University Policy 3140 (Academic Grievance).
8. Resources
Example templates for Temporary or Permanent Dismissal
Toolkit on Guidance on Maintaining Effective Learning Environments
For assistance in limiting access to online activities in Canvas, contact the Boise State Help Desk at (208) 426-4357.
Revision History
August 14, 2025