USE OF CELL PHONES, LAPTOPS, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC
DEVICES
Because technology is constantly changing and evolving, this policy applies to any device that is
internet capable, or one that performs the function of a telephone, text messager, recorder, camera,
or other electronic equipment capable of communication, or data gathering/retrieving.
According to the Student Guide, all students have a responsibility to others who are a part of our
Bearkat community. The goal in the classroom is to produce an environment that is conducive to
learning. Students are to treat faculty, staff, and each other with respect. Cell phones, laptop
computers, and other electronic devices have become increasingly a part of life in our society;
however, when used in the classroom environment they can become disruptive. Students are to
turn off all electronic equipment (such as cell phones, pagers, Bluetooth headsets, PDAs, iPods, MP3
players, pen recorders and other devices) while in the classroom. To be perfectly clear, this does
not mean they are to be placed on silent, vibrate, or standby mode—ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
SHOULD BE TURNED OFF and should not be taken out during class. At my discretion I reserve the
right to take up your equipment. If I do, it will be handed over to the Dean of Students. It will then
be your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with the dean and retrieve it.
EXCEPTIONS
If you are aware that an emergency situation may arise that necessitates the use of a cell phone or
some other electronic device, please inform me before class—and be sure your device is set on
vibrate or silent mode. I will make arrangements for you to be seated near the door, where an exit
would be only minimally disruptive.
The use of electronic devices may be permitted in class, if covered by a documented disability. In
these cases, you must still make arrangements with me in the event such use necessitates further
considerations regarding conditional use or special seating.
If you are a volunteer fireman, EMT, or some other “on call” responder, you must clear the use of
your equipment with me. In these cases, I will make sure that a seat is reserved for you near the
door.
As a general rule I discourage the use of laptop computers in the classroom, because we have a
wireless connection that can easily be abused, and also because some students find the use of
laptops a nuisance. Nevertheless, laptop computers may be used for note-taking purposes only, but
only with my permission, and only if other class members do not find their use disruptive. I
normally reserve a few seats on the front row and to the side for this purpose. Also, if there is a
built-in camera device on your laptop, the lens must be covered at all times (see “Special Note and
Fair Warning” below).
Other exceptions to this policy may be granted at my discretion.
EXAMS
According to university policy, even the visible presence of an electronic device during the test
period will result in a zero for that test. It follows then, that actual use of an electronic device
during a test period is prohibited and will result in a charge of academic dishonesty. Most, if not all,
of your exams will be administered online. In the event you do have an in-class exam, these
instruments should be left at home or stored securely in such a way that they cannot be seen, heard,
or used by the student.
A SPECIAL NOTE AND FAIR WARNING
Any unauthorized recording and exposure of me, or any member of the staff, fellow students or
classroom visitors posted on any forum, whether public or private (e.g., YouTube, Facebook,
Tweet), will be considered a serious violation of privacy. Offenders will be subject to legal action.
If you do not already know, you will soon become aware that a certain amount of entertainment
accompanies most of my lectures. I will consider any recording of me a violation of my privacy.
What might appear humorous in class could be a source of unending humiliation on the internet.
Anyone caught with a recording device pointed at me—whether it is activated or not—will
meet with immediate expulsion from class. Moreover, your device will be confiscated, and
your fate will then be in the hands of the Dean of Students. My personal recommendation
will be to drop you from the roll and be given an F for the class. If a video does make its way
onto the internet, I will sic a team of computer nerds on you that will make Inspector Javert (who
relentlessly chased Jean Valjean in Les Miserable) look like a Keystone Cop at an Easter-egg hunt.
Rest assured that you will have made this a personal matter; you will be caught, and you will be
subject to legal action and punishment to the full extent of the law.
For further information on student conduct in and out of the classroom see the Code of Student
Conduct.