Professionalism in the Classroom
20 April 2009

Students are expected to come to each class dressed appropriately for a work environment and prepared to participate actively in class activities. Among other things, this precludes disruptive attitudes and behaviors as well as certain modes of dress.

Attire

The following are some examples of expectations of student apparel in class.

• No clothing with suggestive, violent, profane, racist, sexist, or otherwise objectionable images or slogans. [BTW, for you Cleveland Indians fans, this includes "Chief Wahoo," which is a racist image.]
• No visible cleavage, midriff, or underwear.
• No pajamas, slippers, sweat pants, or other lounge apparel.
• No "distressed" jeans or other shabby/torn clothing.
• Men are expected to wear their trousers at their waist, with shirts tucked in. WomenÕs slacks should be worn in a manner appropriate to the cut of the garment.
• No hats, caps, scarves, "do-rags," or other "urban head gear." (The yarmulke, hijab, or other religiously mandated head covering is permitted.

Behaviors

The following are some examples of expected classroom behavior.

• Civil discourse will prevail in class. Critique others' arguments; do not attack the person, verbally or otherwise. It is fine to describe your own motives, but not to impute motives to others. "Do not do to others what you would not have done to you."
• Class is a work environment, not a theater, sports arena, or other audience/entertainment environment. Eating interferes with course work. (Besides, it is rude to eat in front of others.) No food is permitted in the classroom unless one brings enough for everyone to share.
• No cell phones are permitted. This means not only that your phone should not be ringing during class; it means it should never be visible in the classroom. Keep it in your bag. If you need to turn it off, do so before entering the classroom. Any visible cell phone will be confiscated. Any cell phone that rings during class will be answered by the Instructor, and the owner will be required to bring treats for the entire class for the next class day.