I won an honorable mention at the Texas Community College Journalism Association (TCCJA) for an editorial on cell phone use in North Lake College's testing center, and what legally justifiable rights the college has in administering consequences. The TCCJA is comprised of 35 junior and community colleges in the state with student publication programs. TCCJA recognizes that whenever one student publication is threatened, all are vulnerable.
Cell phones may be one of the worst disturbances ever invented. We all know what it's like to deal with people who are chatting it up in the middle of a good movie. However, what's even more disturbing are people who have phone conversations in North Lake College's testing center while tests are being taken.
"Disturbances of this type are the most common complaint among students who are expected to complete tests in the testing center," said Susan Littlejohn, director of testing. "We have signs posted to turn off cell phones, but many people who use them refuse to cooperate."
Pagers are also part of the problem, she said.
"These devices are so small, it is difficult for staff to monitor their use," she explained.
As cellular technology evolves, wireless phones are becoming as small as pagers, and this has presented a problem of legality for testing center administration. Staff members aren't exactly sure what lengths they may take to ensure student cooperation or discipline.
"The only thing we can really do is tell people to turn them off," said Ron Johnson, departmental assistant in the testing center. "But there have been occasions when they won't even do it when asked. Some complain that they don't want to miss a call."
So, what's the remedy? Actually, it's readily available for anyone who needs to see it. Students who enroll in this college are expected to have an understanding of it, because it's the bottom line.
It's called the Student Code of Conduct.
There's nothing in the Code of Conduct which gives staff the right to take up personal property. There is something better, however. Instead, staff have the right to have the whole student removed, temporarily or for good, along with his or her cell phone.
The Code, in its explanation of responsibility, states a couple of prohibited behaviors that clearly apply to wireless technology in places like the testing center, library and classrooms in session. These violations are legally punishable by suspension or expulsion, depending on what the college feels is best.
An excerpt from the Code's explanation of responsibility: "Intentionally interfering with normal college or college-sponsored activities, including but not limited to, studying, teaching, research, college administration..."
Also, scholastic dishonesty is punishable by the same means or at least by having test scores invalidated. This includes students who use calculators, PalmPilots or similar devices for cheating, placing answers underneath the bills of baseball caps or using cell phones to ask buddies for answers.
Since staff cannot be certain what students are rudely conversing about on their phones while in the testing center, they're obligated to suspect the worst.
So throw them and their wireless toys out, and make the testing center a more friendly environment for students who are serious about their education.
