Cell Phones, PDAs and Electronic Devices in Class

ALL cell phones must be turned off while students are in class. Similarly, other electronic devices—PDAs, pagers, instant message devices, games, other handheld devices, and laptop computers—should be turned off and stowed in a secure place during class.

Faculty members may make exceptions to this policy in cases in which students are using electronic devices for academic purposes related to the class. For example, in many cases, faculty members may permit the use of laptop computers if students are using the computers to take notes or for purposes related to the class. Students should check with their instructors about permissible devices in class.

Faculty members have the right to instruct students to turn off laptops and other devices, and to stow those devices in secure places, in any class.

Students who fail to follow the directions of a faculty member in class may incur disciplinary action up to and including suspension and dismissal.

During tests and exam periods, all cell phones and other electronic devices must be turned off and kept in a secure location away from the student’s immediate view unless the faculty member has given permission for use of a device during a test or exam. Students who violate this rule may be asked to leave the exam room, and may not be allowed to complete the exam, thus incurring a failing grade for the course. Students may also be liable for additional disciplinary sanctions under this policy.

Any student who participates in any act of academic dishonesty may incur the full disciplinary sanctions of the Academic Honesty Policy. This includes students who participate in the improper sharing of information about tests via electronic devices, e.g., text messaging exam questions or answers, emailing information about makeup exams, sending voicemail messages about exams or tests, or any similar use of technology to engage in academic dishonesty