Paladin

Issue date: 9/4/08 Section: Opinion

Media Credit: Marquis Cook [Click to enlarge]

Have you ever sat in a difficult or boring class, trying to grasp a concept and then have a disruption come from a fellow classmate be it loud talking, headphone music, or simply leaving early?

It can be an upsetting thing, especially if you're trying hard to get a decent grade in the class. For example, recently I was in a math class and had to complain to a few students behind me about the noise level.

Their talking volume was competing with the volume of the teacher's voice, which made it difficult to concentrate on what he was saying. I understand that a class can be boring and uninteresting, but still there are common courtesies that need to be followed.

The policies and procedures section of the class schedule gives some simple guidelines for functioning in a classroom environment at LBCC. The first point it mentions is respect for the instructor; respecting an instructor's classroom by not making disruptions to a lecture in particular. This could include late arrival, loud conversation and bringing food to class.

The second point is respect for other students. A student has a right to listen and participate in class without enduring harassment.

The third point deals with academic honesty, which means no cheating. The last two points deal with student and instructor rights. The guidelines state, "Instructors have the right to remove a student from a class at any time he/she considers a student's actions to be interfering with a proper collegiate environment." Instructors need to exercise their rights.

Students have a right to due process. The guidelines state, "If a classroom conflict occurs, discuss them with your instructor during his/her office hours. Additional resources for help can include the department head, the instructional dean and the dean of student affairs."

The most important thing to remember is that LBCC is a collegiate learning environment. Respect your environment.

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