[Santa Clara University]
Department of Mathematics
and Computer Science

Excerpt from a Syllabus of Prof. Suzanne J. Warma
Utah State University

DISCLAIMER: What follows was taken from an article published in the Chronicle of Higher Education (March 27, 1998, p. A12) and is the opinion of Prof. Warma and reflects certain regulations pertaining to her classes and the practices at Utah State University (e.g., regarding class attendance). It should be noted, however, that most of her comments deal with etiquette, courtesy, and common sense that is assumed among adults in most societies and thus is also pertinent to classroom interaction at Santa Clara University.

Classroom Demeanor: an Excerpt from One Syllabus

It is your responsibility to attend class. If you miss a class meeting for any reason, you will be held responsible for all material covered and announcements made in your absence....

Lecture attendance is neither required nor noted. However, be on time and remain for the entire period or do not come at all. The class is too large to have people crawling over each other or standing in front of the projector while trying to find a seat or leaving after the lecture has begun. Arriving late and/or leaving early is inconsiderate of your colleagues.

This class is also too large for chit-chat, please do not. You are unaware of how far your voices carry in FAV 150 and how disturbing it is to your classmates to be forced to endure your idle chatter and giggling. The students who sit near you are not interested in your romantic lives, how out-of-touch you think your parents are, how stupid you think your teachers are, etc. You may not realize how disturbing your "private" conversations are when others are trying to listen to a lecture.

Everyone who registers for this class is an adult. You are legally able to marry wihtout parental consent, buy a home, pay taxes, vote, work, budget your money, defend your country in military service, etc. You should also be adult enough not to disturb others. Mindless talking during class is immature, inconsiderate behavior. Please ask questions or make comments about art work that will benefit the entire clas, but leave the chit-chat in the halls where it belongs.

This page is maintained by Dennis C. Smolarski, S.J., dsmolarski at math.scu.edu. Last changed: 18 April 1998. Minor change: 1 January 2007.