Classroom Expectations A Discussion of Etiquette and Civility in the College Classroom

The CMU Mission Statement making a difference in the world attaining academic and professional excellence developing ethical leadership demonstrating social responsibility

How does this mission tie to classroom behavior? A difference from “normal” behavior is required. Professionalism is demonstrated. A code of ethics is in place. Social responsibilities are indentified.

A Difference from Normal Behavior A college classroom is not the typical gathering place for adults. It is not a social event. There is a specific purpose for the gathering.

Let’s be professional. There must be an air of decorum. I am the model for appropriate behavior.

Why have a Code of Ethics? to define accepted/acceptable behaviors to promote high standards of practice to provide a standard for students to use for self evaluation to establish a framework for professional behavior and responsibilities

Why have a code of ethics? to build mutual respect to improve productivity to measure academic maturity

Student Responsibilities to learn what is expected of them to meet those expectations

I have learned that it is my duty to train my students to meet my expectations of them in our classroom. I cannot assume that students will know how to address me properly, arrive on time, be prepared for class, etc…… How else are they to meet my expectations of them?

“Our” classroom? Faculty and students can claim ownership of the class, but with different responsibilities and privileges. I fully understand what my responsibilities are. The students must learn what their responsibilities are.

A Privilege to be in Class Despite what the students may think, paying tuition and all other financial obligations only allows them the privilege of attending classes. This privilege may be revoked for any number of reasons, including unacceptable behavior.

I have learned to take my boat out of the water BEFORE it starts raining. Rather than deal with issues as they arise, I prepared a list of expectations that I have for any class that I teach. I try to be consistent in dealing with students who fail to meet these expectations.

My Expectations of You Classroom Assignments Preparing for Class

Please, address me as Dr. Priddy. This is just a common courtesy. While I try to be friendly with my students, I am usually not going to be one of their close friends. I a not “Yo, Dude…,…Hey you…, bro….”. Besides, it is the proper title students should use to address me.

Please, be in your seat at the scheduled starting time. Otherwise, you are tardy. This is to avoid disruptions at the beginning of class. Whatever transpires in the first few minutes may set the tone for the entire period. Tardy students cannot submit assignments.

Please, do not use profanity. I am training professionals. I want the language used in the classroom to reflect a professional atmosphere.

Please, turn off your cell phones, mp3 players, pagers, beepers, etc. to minimize distractions. Unless a student is “on call” for some job, there is no need for contact with the world outside the classroom. This is a security issue for exams.

Please, do not talk when someone is addressing the class. Again, this is just common courtesy. No matter how quietly the whispering is, I can detect this white noise. And, I find it annoying.

Please, raise your hand to speak. This prevents one (or two) students from dominating the class by blurting out responses to questions posed to the entire class.

Please, do not eat during class. I admit that my classes are no picnic. Don’t treat them as if they are. Drinks are allowed, but if any is spilled, the person who brought the drink will be responsible for cleaning the mess.

Sleeping in class, or the appearance of sleeping, is not tolerated. You will be required to leave the classroom. You will forfeit any points for the day. If you are ill, you have more pressing concerns than the topics in this class.

In case of emergency…….. Ken Oliver, Office of Student Development reliable, prompt, and appropriate action

More to Follow… As issues arise, or as I hear of situations from other instructors, I will edit my list of expectations. What have you suffered through in your classes? A list of articles on this subject can be found on my CMU web page.web page