3 VIOLENCE PREVENTION POLICY at CSUMB

Violence is defined as "to use force so as to injure or damage." It is recognized as part of CSUMB policy that violence is as a result of emotional distress. Also that it is a rare occurrence which results from such extreme frustration so as to make the student break all the barriers of emotional control. Another reason cited as the instigator of violence is the undue use of liquor or other drugs. The recommended course of action in such a situation is to stay calm, and to seek help (through the Public Safety Department), to stay safe (to have some form of defense like furniture between the student and yourself), and in no circumstance to coerce or threaten the student.

Aggression is defined as "to commit the first act of hostility or offence." It is recognized that such behavior is observed in students when they perceive certain situations to be beyond their control and ability. Thus these emotions are misdirected and are centered towards the person who happens to be closest at hand. Thus the student aims to assert himself by demonstrating...

It is helpful to acknowledge their frustration, to rephrase and identify their fury, to invite the person to a serene place, to be clear and firm in the directives, and to allow them to release their pent-up frustration.
On the other hand, it does not help to ignore warnings, match shouts with shouts, demonstrating hostile behavior, threaten them to explain themselves, or to dare them.

There is also a program initiated by the Personal Growth and Counseling center for working with emotionally troubled individuals and to help them cope with unbridled emotions and to address their frustrations.4

CSUMB POLICY WEBSITE, http://policy.csumb.edu/site/x16011.xml#faculty

Student Disability Hand-book for Faculty, CSUMB, 2006

Handout for Academic Personnel, CSUMB, 2006

Working with Emotionally Troubled Student, CSUMB POLICY WEBSITE, http://policy.csumb.edu/site/x10066.xml