91探花 classes, labs and other learning spaces are essential to the University鈥檚 educational mission. They are where teachers and students make discovery and learning real. Disruption in these spaces is distressing, steals valuable learning time and can be unsafe.
A recent incident on the Seattle campus of someone entering a class for the purpose of disruption has instructors and students thinking more about what to do in case of an outside intruder entering a class. Planning in advance can bring down your anxiety in the moment.
The Division of Campus Community Safety has guidance for faculty, staff, instructors, teaching assistants and lab assistants to help you prepare and act in the event of an intruder disruption. Classroom success is everyone鈥檚 responsibility, but we recognize that professors, instructors and TAs have special responsibilities. Most importantly, you do not need to face these responsibilities on your own.
Before a disruption
- Know your learning space鈥檚 entrance(s) and exit(s), including how to get out of the building if you and your class need to leave. This is important for any emergency, not just a disruptive person.
- Add your campus safety team numbers to your phone:
- Seattle: 91探花Police Department, 911
- Tacoma: 91探花Tacoma Campus Safety & Security, 253-692-4416
- Bothell: 91探花Bothell Campus Safety, 425-486-1254
- Share concerns. If you see or hear something in or near your classroom that causes you concern, contact UWPD in Seattle or your Campus Safety Office for Bothell and Tacoma. If it鈥檚 not an emergency, but you have safety concerns about yourself or others, another option is to contact SafeCampus by calling 206-685-7233. SafeCampus is the UW鈥檚 violence prevention and threat assessment team. Trained, caring professionals will talk you through options and connect you with additional resources if you want them. SafeCampus also offers de-escalation training. To request this training, fill out the .
- Review the UW鈥檚 guidance for .
During an intruder disruption
Unfortunately, last week wasn鈥檛 the only time an individual has entered a class and disrupted the course. What to do depends on your assessment of the situation and whether the intruder is an immediate threat to your safety.
If in your estimation the intruder presents as an immediate threat, move away and instruct your class to leave the room away from the intruder if possible. Call 911 immediately.
If the intruder does not present as an immediate threat to safety:
- Acknowledge their presence and calmly instruct them to leave: 鈥淚 hear you. However, this is a class. Please leave this classroom so we can continue.鈥�
- If they do not leave: End class immediately, clear the room if you can and call 911.
- If they do leave: Still call and alert UWPD for the Seattle campus or the Campus Safety teams for UWB and UWT, and follow dispatcher and safety officer guidance.
Consider checking in with your students. 鈥淭hat was weird, right? Is everyone OK?鈥� - End class if that feels appropriate given the circumstances, or continue if that feels right.
- Do not engage with the disruptor. For your safety and the safety of others, please do not argue with the individual or attempt to forcibly remove, obstruct, follow or make physical contact with the individual.
After a disruption
- Notify your leadership. Even if the person left when asked, please let your campus safety team know about the disruption so we can understand what happened and where. Also, alert your dean and/or chair.
- Get support and take care of yourself.聽Disruptions are unsettling. Support is available for 91探花employees through the .
- Consider sharing resources with your class. The UW鈥檚 Counseling Center provides a , including the 24/7 .
- It鈥檚 a big online world. Unwanted attention can come after videos of a disruption are posted. Check out suggestions for how to protect yourself or respond to on-line harassment.
When someone walks in and disrupts a class, it can leave us feeling shaken. Our community鈥檚 strength comes from care and connection 鈥� checking in with colleagues and classmates and reaching out for support. Together, we can continue building the respectful, welcoming classroom environment every Husky deserves.
P.S. October is the month where we focus on another type of potential classroom disruption 鈥� earthquakes! Click here for the latest on the upcoming Oct. 16 earthquake drill.