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Dealing with Classroom Emergencies
An Operation Alert system has been developed for handling emergencies by accelerating the notification process. The University Police Department Communications Center, located on the Tampa Campus, is operational 24 hours a day and should be notified by calling 911 immediately in emergencies. The non-emergency telephone number for the University Police Department is 974-2628.
What should an instructor do if a student has a medical emergency?
Immediately call 911 in all instances of serious medical emergencies. Advise the nature of the illness or injury and your exact location. A police officer will respond and offer assistance; Tampa Fire Rescue will be notified to respond if necessary. In non-emergency situations, refer students to Student Health Services (974-2331) which is located adjacent to the USF Bookstore.
What should instructors do if an alarm is set off?
If an evacuation alarm sounds in your building, evacuate your classroom immediately using the nearest building exit (even if you suspect it is a false alarm). Do not use the elevators. Have students stand clear of the building and do not permit anyone to re-enter the building until instructed to do so by a police officer (even if the bells stop ringing).
Fire drills are held each semester. You should receive advance notice of scheduled drills to enable you to plan instructional activities accordingly.
What should an instructor do if a student's conduct in the classroom becomes abusive or dangerous?
It is very important that instructors exercise sound judgment in assessing a potentially dangerous situation. Remain calm and seek a controlled and rational response. Loud verbal exchanges between instructor and student are usually counterproductive and can lead to other more serious forms of confrontation. Students have certain rights that must be protected when a discipline issue arises. There are specific procedures dealing with what the instructor should and should not do prior to requesting that a disruptive student be permanently dismissed from class. For information concerning this issue and what procedures faculty must follow, consult the USF Undergraduate Catalog.
Call 911 for emergency assistance if a physical confrontation is likely or if other assistance from the Police Department is necessary. Accurate written records of significant incidents must be kept and your Department Chairperson should be immediately advised of the situation.
What should instructors know about bomb threats? If you receive a bomb threat, it is important to obtain as much information from the caller as possible. Things to ask include
- location of the bomb,
- time of explosion, and
- type of bomb. Observe the caller's voice and any background noises you may hear. Such information may assist in identifying the caller. Call the Police Department by dialing 911 immediately.
Instructors should inform students that final exams will be given as scheduled regardless of bomb threats. Each Department is responsible for a planned alternate meeting site for classes. Since adopting this policy, there have been few bomb threats at USF. Prior to final examinations, check with the Department staff for your class' alternate test location.
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