Faculty
Senate Resolution 2004-2005-10
Cell
Phones
WHEREAS the University already has a policy on classroom behavior
that addresses cell phone usage[1] that
is printed in the Student Handbook which states:
“Free discussion, inquiry, and expression is encouraged in this class. Classroom behavior that
interferes with either (a) the instructor’s ability to conduct the class or (b)
the ability of students to benefit from the instruction is not acceptable.
Examples may include routinely entering class late or departing early; use of
beepers, cellular telephones, or other electronic devices; repeatedly talking
in class without being recognized; talking while others are speaking; or
arguing in a way that is perceived as “crossing the civility line.” In the
event of a situation where a student legitimately needs to carry a beeper/cellular
telephone to class, prior notice and approval of the instructor is required.” Classroom
behavior which is deemed inappropriate and cannot be resolved by the student and
the faculty member may be referred to the Office of Judicial Affairs for
administrative or disciplinary review as per the Code of
Student Conduct which may be
found at http://www.selu.edu/StudentAffairs/Handbook/
; and
WHEREAS a growing number of faculty feel that this policy is not detailed enough to cover problems that have arisen in some of their classes, dealing both with the potential use of cell phones for cheating in exam situations (via text messaging and picture taking capabilities) and the actual use of cell phones in a disruptive fashion.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Faculty Senate recommend that the
classroom behavior statement be amended to read:
o OLD: “In the
event of a situation where a student legitimately needs to carry a beeper/cellular
telephone to class, prior notice and approval of the instructor is required.”
o NEW: “All cellular telephones/beepers must be turned off and
stowed out of sight in all instructional areas. In the event of a situation
where a student legitimately needs to
carry a cellular telephone/beeper to class, the student should obtain the
approval of the instructor before class, and the device must be set to a vibrate or silent ring/page mode.”
Faculty should feel free to amend this policy as they see fit and publish it as part of their syllabi each semester.