Texting in College

I wanted to get ideas from other college professors as to your "texting policy." It is really becoming a big problem and unlike Elementary and High School, we can't forbid students from having cell phones.

I have a rule that every time I have to tell you to put your cell phone away, it's 5 points off of your next exam. It doesn't seem to do a whole lot because they all think they can hide their texting. I've given students quizzes back with 15 points already off for texting.

Keep in Mind: I do not yet have tenure and we are not permitted to kick students out of the classroom. So that is not an option.

I could use some new ideas. How do you deal with it?

Re: Texting in College

I would speak with a head person first, but maybe have all phones on a table that they drop off when they come in and take when they leave? I'm presuming this is a big auditorium and not a small classroom though. What are other profs doing? There definitely should be some universal rule for this though. The times are changing and sometimes the rules must too.

Re: Texting in College

I would find out what other profs do. My DH is a professor and he's complained about it, but I don't know that there's much he can do. Does the school have an official policy?

Re: Texting in College

The thing is, with college, the students are directly paying for the courses. I am not sure there is much jurisdiction you can have, KWIM?

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i was in college until last year-during class i would always keep my phone on my desk..didn't mean i wasn't paying attention, because i graduated with close to a 4.0

during tests, i would keep it away-but i only had a handful of tests in the 5 years it took to get my 2 degrees, bc i majored in english-so it was all papers

Re: Texting in College

is it the tones that are bothering you? or just that they aren't paying attention?


I think with the former you can tell them it must be turned off.

the latter - it's no different than doodling, doing other work, crossword puzzles (all of which i did in college) even college students are human


you should have seen some of my 50 year old colleagues at some conferences this week!

Message edited 12/4/2010 4:18:26 PM.

Re: Texting in College

if you are concerned about when youre giving tests, i think a no cell phone out policy during exams seems reasonable. other than that, i agree with pp's and say to pick your battles. just because theyre occasionally texting doesnt mean theyre not paying attention or trying to be disrespectful- its just a way of life these days.
sorry