Behavior Policy
Thank you, to the majority of students who are conscientious and respectful. I do appreciate and notice your effort and courtesies to me and to your classmates.
A University classroom is about learning to express ideas and views but it is also about hearing the views of your peers and learning to function effectively in a social environment so you can be successful in your life. As instructor one of my goals for all the students in the class is to provide an educational environment that is conducive to learning and is respectful of all participants. To achieve this the environment must be free of harassment, purposeless distractions and disruptions. Accordingly, we all are expected to exhibit professional and courteous conduct, including the following:
- Arriving on time and staying for the entire class.
- Promptly adhering to classroom instructions and following written instructions and deadlines;
- Behaving in a manner during all learning activities that allows other students to concentrate on the lesson and the teacher to conduct the lesson effectively.
- Behaving in a manner that is supportive of the learning objectives and respectful of all participants: self, fellow students, instructor and any teaching assistants.
- Cooperating with others in the course. Students are expected to listen quietly when another is speaking and to respond thoughtfully, appropriately and politely, allowing others equal “air time” for opinions.
- Verbal and Nonverbal behavior are evaluated in judging these criteria
Sample behaviors that are not acceptable and cause for disciplinary action may include (but are not limited to):
- Conduct that is distracting or disruptive to the learning process;
- Conduct that is perceived as intimidating or harassing of others in the learning environment;
- Cursing or mocking others, present or not;
- Inappropriate, disrespectful, or uncivil responses to the comments or opinions of others;
- Excessive talking in the classroom;
The student is responsible for all materials in his or her possession (e.g., cell phones) and the effect they have on the class. I decide the outcome of any loopholes in these rules.
Again, thank you to those who are courteous to others, conscientious and responsible. Because the vast majority of students are interested in their learning we typically have productive class sessions with respectful debate that expands our understanding rather than demeaning anyone.
