From: Safwan Masri [mailto:smm1@columbia.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 5:52 PM
To: Students, MBA
Subject: Policy regarding use of electronic devices in the classroom
Dear Students,
Welcome back! I hope your break was relaxing and enjoyable.I want to take this opportunity to clarify the School's policy on use of electronic devices and networks in the classroom.
We pride ourselves at the Business School that our classes take place in an environment that supports learning and encourages the exchange of ideas. Using an electronic device for activities unrelated to the class distracts the student using the device, his/her neighbors, and the professor. It disrespects your classmates and your instructor. And learning suffers. Use of these devices is not solely an individual's choice since it affects the entire group.
All extraneous devices, including cell phones, blackberries, pagers, or laptops, are not to be used during class unless the professor authorizes their use for a class-related purpose. If the instructor gives permission for the use of a computer for note-taking, that is the sole purpose to which they should be put.
It is expected that access to the internet will be off during class unless the instructor authorizes it for class-related purposes. For that purpose, the default position for the "kill switch" that controls internet connectivity in classrooms will be off during class time. This holds true for both the wired network in Uris and Warren Halls and the new wireless network in Uris Hall.
When you are not in class, during breaks between classes or after hours, in the library, or in a study space, you will be able to use these devices and have full access to the network. It is only during class sessions that their use will be limited.
To further these goals and make managing the network easier on both students and faculty, I have directed ITG to implement a system to automatically turn networking off in the classrooms during class sessions and back on for the breaks between classes. It will become operational next semester as we deploy the wireless network in Warren Hall. In the meantime, faculty are instructed to ensure that connectivity is off at the beginning of class. They may turn it on only if they decide that they need it on for a class specific purpose.
Students using electronic devices without authorization are subject to disciplinary actions.
I know that we will all work together to make our classes as positive a learning experience as possible. As always, I welcome your feedback and suggestions on this and any other matter.
Be well,
Safwan
