Most of the disruptions in the Learning Commons can be handled by the Learning Commons employees, Supervisors, and the Dean, but there are times when a Crisis Support Team may be more effective. Here are some additional resources to help you better support our patrons:
Student in Crisis Plan -Describes what to do if a student is Level 1: An imminent threat, Level 2: Having an emotional crisis or struggling with behavioral health concerns, Level 3: Exhibiting non-imminent behaviors (In all 3 levels, a Bit Referral form will need to be filled out: http://lonestar.edu/bit
LSC -K Staff Behavior Intervention Support.pdf - This includes examples of dangerous behaviors, 7 steps of working with a disruptive student, De-escalation Script/Tips, and making a "Behavioral Intervention Team" (BIT) referral.
De-escalation-Crisis Prevention Institute Resource Guide.pdf- This guide includes "Top 10 De-escalation Tips."
Noise Level Disruptions:
While conversations are encouraged and allowed in the open area of the Learning Commons, there can be times when the sound level of certain group conversations needs to be addressed. Another student does not need to approach the Service Desk to complain before action is made.
While typically done by the Service Desk staff during walk-throughs, any of the Learning Commons staff may politely approach the disruptive group and ask them to lower their voices as their conversation is disrupting others. Communicate with the Service Desk team so they can monitor the situation and follow-up.
The next person to walk the space (usually one of the Service Desk team) should follow-up with the group if they continue to be loud and disruptive. On the second approach, the students should be informed that if we have a three-strike policy and if they need to be approached again, they'll be asked to leave. Again, communicate your actions with the Service Desk team.
On the third time ask them to leave. If students attempt to escalate or argue, remain pleasant but firm. Do not argue or continue to repeat yourself as this will increase tensions. If they refuse, get the supervisor or the police to handle the situation. If calling the police, make it clear that it is not an emergency situation but there are disruptive students who've been asked to leave because of their disruptive behavior and are refusing to do so. Many times the police may be in the Learning Commons and you can ask them to talk to the students as they walk around the space on their rounds.
Cell Phone Disruptions:
If a patron is bothered by another patron's phone conversation, delicately approach the person on the phone and ask them to lower their voice.
Other disruptions:
Other disruptions may be addressed in the Learning Commons Service Desk Scenarios (and how to handle them!)
Vaping/Smoking
No Vaping/Smoking Indoors: Vaping/Smoking is prohibited inside all LSC buildings, including offices, classrooms, restrooms, hallways, and elevators. There are Designated Vaping/Smoking Areas located on the campuses. They are typically located in the parking lots or at least 25 feet away from the entrances of College buildings.
If a student denies doing it in the Learning Commons, politely remind them that we have cameras throughout the space and if someone is engaging in that kind of the behavior, the police will need to be called.
| Police - Non emergency | 813.6800 |
