Express your regret when you cannot compromise, but indicate that the student has been heard. Unfortunately, on rare occasions more difficult problems arise. If you have a seriously disruptive student who seems threatening toward you or members of the class, it is best to consult Judicial Affairs early in the process of dealing with the student. Through working with faculty and departments across the University, the staff of Judicial Affairs has gained experience with effective ways to handle serious classroom problems and will help you determine the most appropriate way to deal with your situation. Their suggestions may include meeting the student with a witness present, consulting with your department head, or having the student removed from your class.
Most teachers offer a set number of drop-in office hours each week.
You might talk to other teachers of the course to find out how many office hours a week are appropriate, or your department may have a policy to guide your choice of office hours. Whether you are working with a departmental policy or not, it's a good idea to space your office hours out in the week and schedule them at different times of the day. This means that if your office hours are scheduled only for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM, some of your students will never be able to attend them because of a conflicting class schedule. When you schedule office hours by appointment, keep track of how much time you spend meeting with students. Sometimes in an effort to be accessible teachers end up overextending themselves.