Classroom Helps

Suggested Syllabus Language

"As members of this class, we are members of a larger learning community where excellence is achieved through civility. Our actions affect everyone in our community. Courtesy is reciprocated and extends beyond our local setting, whether in future jobs, classes, or communities. Civility is not learned individually, it is practiced as a community."

Suggested language from the Student Development and Diversity Office for referencing disabilities is: "Any student who has a disability and is in need of classroom accommodations, please contact the instructor and the Services for Students with Disabilities Office.”

For other requirements, see the complete Guide to Policies and Procedures Relating to Classroom Instruction located on the Academic Affairs website.

Discussion Topics

participation in conversations
holding civil debates on controversial topics
cell phone use in class
ipod or computer use in class
eating or drinking in class
sleeping in class
wearing hats or caps in class
the preferred way to address you in person
the preferred method for contacting you outside of class
the preferred way to address you via email
arriving late to class or leaving early
group work - when is it permissible to talk with other groups
take-home quizzes or exam - may textbooks, notes, etc. be used?

Discussion Starter

Review a seven-minute (Windows Media Player) streaming video highlighting college behavior created and performed by the Orientation Assistants and presented to freshmen during the 2008 Summer Orientation.

Review a seven-minute (Windows Media Player) movie highlighting college behavior created and performed by the Orientation Assistants and presented to freshmen during the 2007 Summer Orientation.

Review a five-minute (Windows Media Player) movie highlighing classroom behavior created and performed by the Orientation Assistants and presented to freshman during the 2006 Summer Orientation.

Coping with Incivil Classroom Behavior

When it becomes obvious one needs external help in dealing with uncivil classroom behavior, one should follow the procedures outlined in UWS Chapter 17 for Non-Academic Misconduct. This includes conduct that obstructs or seriously impairs or attempts to obstruct or seriously impair university-run or university-authorized activities, or that interferes with or impedes the ability of a member of the university community, or guest, to participate in university-run or university-authorized activities. Examples of the conduct prohibited under this subsection include, but are not limited to: preventing or blocking physical entry to, or exit from, a university building, corridor or room; engaging in shouted interruptions, whistling, or similar means of interfering with a classroom presentation or a university-sponsored speech or program; ... or knowingly disrupting access to university computing resources, or misusing university computing resources.