The Student Who Is Demanding
Students who are demanding can be intrusive and persistent and may require much time
and attention.
Demanding traits can be associated with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, personality problems, mania, and/or thought disorders.
Characteristics of students who are demanding include:
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A sense of entitlement
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An inability to empathize
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A need for control
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Difficulty in dealing with ambiguity
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Perfectionism
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Difficulty with structure and limits
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Dependency
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Fears about handling life
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Elevated mood
- Drug use or abuse
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Talk to the student in a place that is safe and comfortable.
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Remain calm and take the lead.
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Set clear limits up front and hold the student to the allotted time for the discussion.
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Emphasize behaviors that are and aren’t acceptable.
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Respond quickly and with clear limits to behavior that disrupts class, study sessions, or consultations.
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Be prepared for manipulative requests and behaviors.
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Call the Office of Student Affairs (828.227.7234) for help with identifying strategies for dealing with disruptive behaviors.
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Refer the student to Counseling and Psychological Services (828.227.7469) for counseling.
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Consult with the Department of Student Community Ethics (DSCE) to document the situation and determine if student disciplinary action is necessary (828.227.7234).
AVOID
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Arguing with the student.
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Giving in to inappropriate requests.
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Adjusting your schedule or policies to accommodate the student.
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Ignoring inappropriate behavior that has a negative impact on you or other students.
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Feeling obligated to take care of the student or feeling guilty for not doing more.
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Allowing the student to intimidate you to not deal with the problematic behavior.