C o u n s e l i n g , C a r e e r, & D i s a b i l i t y S e r v i c e s N e w s l e t t e r
Spring 2011
Raider Wise Counsel
ADVICE TO STUDENTS!
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
In this Issue
Did You Know?
1
Advice to Students! 1-4
Classroom Behavior
Kuder Training
4
Smartpens
4
Staff
5
DID YOU KNOW?
Web registration for
summer and fall 2011
begins Monday, April
4. All students should
see their faculty advisors and register early
for best class selection.
Students receiving
disability services
should make an appointment with their
counselor to set up
accommodations after
registering for classes.
Distractions and interruptions in the classroom can cause
serious problems for you, other students, the instructor, and
the learning environment. In my role as the Dean of Students I am seeing an increase
in student referrals to me for disruptive behavior each semester. As an advocate for
meeting the needs of our students‟ academic goals and professional aspirations, I felt
compelled to bring this issue to your attention. Students, please take the time to
read as the information will definitely benefit your Roane State experience.
This is not a unique issue to Roane State students, faculty and staff. College
campuses across the nation are experiencing the increase and a lack of sensitivity to
overall issues of civility which often leads to disruptive/rude behavior. “Community
colleges serve a very diverse student population. This diversity creates a truly unique
„real-world‟ learning opportunity for students. However, diversity among students
sometimes creates challenges for achieving student cohesion on campus, particularly
when students are of diverse ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Research shows
that the academic success of new students is often contingent upon their ability to „fit
in‟ on campus. An ingrained culture of incivility often prevents meaningful student
integration.” (Ernie Gilkes, Director of Marketing and Strategic Alliances,
info@collegecivility.com)
Roane State strives to offer educational and training opportunities within classroom
environments, including the online classroom, that provides a positive learning
experience for all students. This experience cannot be fully accomplished without
student cooperation and accountability in the process.
Students have the right to expect to receive a quality education, but students do not
have the right to interfere with or disrupt the learning environment to the detriment of
other students seeking that same quality experience.
It is my hope that this article will help students to be more aware and avoid engaging
in distracting and disruptive behavior in the classroom. Respect and common
courtesy for yourself and others provide a critical foundation for the best learning
experience possible. Please continue reading.
Beverly Bonner
Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Dean of Students
Page 2
ADVICE TO STUDENTS!
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
EXAMPLES OF DISRUPTIVE AND DISTRACTING BEHAVIOR
Any behavior that interferes with, disrupts, or prevents normal classroom functions or
activities is considered disruptive. Examples include but are not limited to:
Ringing cell phones or using the cell phone to talk or send text messages. RSCC
policies prohibit cell phone use in the classroom;
Using any electronic media during class time (radio, surfing the Internet, personal
TV);
Talking during lecture;
Talking while others are talking or without being called upon;
Carrying on side conversations;
Leaving and/or entering the classroom without permission;
Passing notes;
Monopolizing class discussion and refusing to acknowledge instructor‟s
commands to stop and move on;
Filming, photographing or taping the class without permission;
Reading, sleeping, eating, drinking, or not paying attention;
Shuffling papers, cleaning out a backpack or purse during lecture, reading the
newspaper;
Student rudeness to instructors and each other;
Poor hygiene and inappropriate or provocative dress;
Facebook threats, email threats/intimidation;
Computer misuse, accessing pornographic sites;
Making threats or verbally insulting the instructor or other students; yelling,
arguing, swearing, bullying or other intimidating behavior; stalking; bringing
weapons on campus;
Attending class under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
The above examples of disruptive behavior range from mild distractions to disorderly,
Page 3
ADVICE TO STUDENTS!
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
violent or dangerous. Depending upon the severity of the behavior, misconduct can
lead to serious disciplinary action such as suspension or expulsion. The instructor
cannot allow disruptive students to continue in this manner as it could escalate to
other students and/or cause resentment amongst other students who are cooperating
and trying to learn.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM CONDUCT
The instructor has the primary responsibility for control over the classroom
behavior and maintenance of academic integrity. The student is responsible for
behaving in an acceptable manner that does not interrupt the instructor‟s ability to
teach and work with all students in that classroom. The instructor can order the
temporary removal or exclusion from the classroom of any student engaged in
disruptive conduct or conduct that violates the rules and regulations of the college.
Plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct are also
prohibited. Students guilty of academic misconduct, either directly or indirectly
through participation or assistance, are immediately responsible to the instructor of
the class. The instructor has the authority to assign an “F” or a “Zero” for the
exercise or examination, or to assign an “F” in the course. Students should
remember to review the RSCC Student Code of Conduct at
www.roanestate.edu/DeanofStudents for these rules and regulations surrounding
student conduct and disciplinary procedures.
IMPORTANT TIPS
Pay attention to your CLASS SYLLABUS as instructors are increasingly using
the class syllabus to give you information and directions to help you pass the course
successfully, such as deadlines to complete assignments; study tips; office hours if
you need help; campus resources if you need help outside of class (counseling,
tutoring, advising, disability services); how you earn your grade for the course; and
how you earn or lose points for participation and absences, and more. Instructors
have different teaching styles and classroom rules. Therefore, do not assume the
same applies to every instructor.
Regular attendance is important to retain information and some instructors do not
allow make up without documented evidence of a circumstance beyond your control
or medical and job emergency. Some instructors do not allow for makeup of
assignments or tests regardless of circumstance. The RSCC Online Catalog states
that “attendance of classes and other official appointments is expected and may be
included in the calculation of a student‟s final grade.” Please see a detailed
explanation of Attendance Regulations in the RSCC Online Catalog at
www.roanestate.edu/catalog. It is critical that you understand what each instructor
expects as they are not the same. Also, non-attendance does not constitute a
withdrawal from classes or from the college. There are procedures to formally drop
a course or withdraw from the college. Always check with Financial Aid before
dropping a class, as you could owe money back or lose eligibility for future financial
aid.
Page 4
ADVICE TO STUDENTS!
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
If you have a question about class work or any concern, do not hesitate to discuss
these issues with your instructor outside of the class during the instructor‟s office
hours thereby respecting student and instructor privacy. Most issues can be
worked out satisfactorily between student and instructor. Oftentimes it is a matter of
misunderstanding or poor communication. You must be willing to work with your
instructor in a timely and respectful manner.
RSCC faculty and staff are excited about our student body and take pride in your
accomplishments. Your success is important. However, misunderstandings and
mistakes may occur at times that affect you negatively. Please do not hesitate to bring
such issues to our attention by completing a Student Complaint Form at
www.roanestate.edu/deanofstudents. We will resolve the complaint as quickly as
possible.
CAREER ASSESSMENT STAFF TRAINING
The Counseling, Career, and Disability Services
Department hosted a career assessment staff training at
the Roane County campus on Friday, March 18. The
three-hour training was facilitated by Paulette Crews,
who is the Kuder Field Trainer for the state of
Tennessee. The training was very beneficial and focused
on the Tennessee College and Career Planning System, which is the online Kuder
Journey. The Journey component was created specifically to assist college students
and adults. This career assessment is free to Roane State students and can be taken
online from any computer. Students who are undecided on their major should contact
Counseling to take a free career assessment and for individualized assistance with
career decision making.
LIVESCRIBE SMARTPEN PILOT UPDATE
The President‟s Imagination Mini-Grant Program funded the “Auditory Notes” project
this spring. This grant enabled Disability Services to purchase seven Livescribe Pulse
Smartpens and accompanying notebooks. The Smartpens are essentially a
mini-computer in a pen that blends note-taking with the recording of a lecture. When
reviewing his/her notes, the student can touch the tablet page with the pen and listen to
the lecture again. The student can also download the notes to a computer or to a
flashdrive. Seven students have been loaned the Smartpens, and the
initial student feedback from the pilot is promising. CTAT staff,
Mike Hill and Nichole White, are facilitating necessary training in the
use of the Smartpens. QEP Director, Sarah Thomason, is assisting
with the assessment components of the grant. The goal is that the
Smartpens will assist participants in note-taking and learning, which
will positively impact grade-point averages and course completion
rates.
Page 5
RAIDER WISE COUNSEL
Counseling, Career, &
Disability Services
Staff:
Tracey Watson
Director
Jeff Snell
Counselor
Julianne Cole
Counselor
Tina Messamore
Support Staff
Carol Jarabek
Support Staff
Roane State Community College
Counseling, Career, and Disability Services
Contact Information
Roane County
Tracey Watson, Director
watsontl@roanestate.edu
865-882-4546
Carol Jarabek, Support Staff
jarabeklc@roanestate.edu
865-882-4546
Oak Ridge
Jeff Snell, Counselor
snellja@roanestate.edu
865-481-2003
Julianne Cole, Counselor
davisjy@roanestate.edu
865-481-2003
Tina Messamore, Support Staff
messamore@roanestate.edu
865-481-2003
www.roanestate.edu/counseling
www.roanestate.edu/disabilityservices
www.roanestate.edu/careerservices
From bottom left: Carol Jarabek, Tracey Watson, Julianne Davis
From top left: Tina Messamore & Jeff Snell
RSCC is a TBR and AA/EEO institution. RSCC publication # 11-068.