1. Think about why the particular issue is a problem for you – Are you personally offended or does it negatively impact the learning environment? Understanding this may help you decide how to act.
2. Develop ground rules (preferably with the input of students) at the beginning of the semester about how students are expected to act. Revisit those rules when appropriate.
3. Discuss the issue with the student to better understand why they are late, rude, etc. Help them problem-solve and come up with possible solutions.
4. Have a consequence that is appropriate for their actions – losing points, working alone on a project, extra work to make up time lost, etc.
5. Clearly state your policies and expectations for attendance, attitude, etc. in your syllabus. Make sure students acknowledge they read the syllabus at the start of the semester.
6. Design a learning activity that is beneficial for students either because of the learning and information it provides, or the points they earn, and schedule it for the first 5 minutes of the class.

For help with a specific issue, contact Meghan Kennedy (meghan.kennedy@gccaz.edu) at the CTLE to brainstorm ways to improve the classroom experience for everyone.