The Fuqua School of Business strives to have a strong culture of learning that pervades and supports all our educational activities. Fuqua’s Classroom Norms, developed by students, faculty and staff, reflect our shared values and beliefs and are an essential component of our learning culture. In order to maintain this learning culture, it is essential that all members of our community adhere to these norms and, should the need arise, assist others in adhering to them. Committing to these norms is essential for our collaborative learning environment.
To maintain a healthy learning environment, it is necessary to catch behaviors that can diminish the collective classroom learning experience. While we expect students to attend all class sessions, the Classroom Norms provide clear standards for in-class behavior that relates to promptness, courtesy and preparedness.
The Classroom Norms specifically outline expectations for Promptness, Courtesy (both during class discussions and in general), and Preparedness in the classroom.
- Classes will start on time and end on time; breaks will end at the time specified. Students should be in their seats and prepared for class discussion before class starts and before the break ends.
- Some classes have handouts and/or require you to turn in an assignment before class starts. You should arrive in time to pick up a handout at the front of the class or turn in an assignment. Don’t walk to the front once class has started.
- If you arrive late, take a seat at the back of the classroom so as to avoid disturbing others. It is fine to move into a better seat at the break.
- Don’t leave the classroom while class is in session. Wait until a break or until class ends. If you are ill, or awaiting news because of a family emergency, let the instructor know before class, keep your device on vibrate and sit at the back of the classroom, in case you need to leave.
- Because course packs are distributed electronically, your instructor may allow students to use their electronic devices to access class material during the session. If electronic devices are allowed in the classroom, they need to be silent, lay flat on the table, and not have any sounds associated with using a keyboard.
- Eat before you come to class; no eating in the classroom, beverages are okay.
- Clean up after yourself and others.
- Listen carefully to the professor and to your classmates.
- Raise your hand when you want to speak and wait to be acknowledged by the professor.
- Do not interrupt someone else who is speaking.
- If someone else makes the comment you planned to make, put your hand down. Don’t repeat a comment someone else has already made.
- Be respectful of others’ comments and ideas.
- Come to class having completed all the assigned readings, cases and other assignments. Do not adopt a strategy to divide and conquer the work within teams, because it minimizes individual learning. All students should contribute to the work of the team and are expected to be able to explain and apply the nature of the analysis and outcome.
- Bring all the necessary class materials with you to class including cases, readings and an extra copy of your assignment (if one is due).
- Always bring your name tent.
- Cold calls are fair game, though it is better if you initiate the discussion.
