Lack of civility cause for concern

By Erin Bettison

The years spent in college are a time of growing and learning. New patterns of thought are be introduced and old patterns are reevaluated. Much of this learning and thinking takes place in the classroom. However, opportunities for learning can be slighted when uncivil situations arise, or when someone in the classroom behaves in a way that is viewed as indifferent or even hostile. What defines civility in the classroom often takes on a personal definition by a faculty member or student and, therefore, can vary by description and extremity. Last year UH-Clear Lake held a Human Sciences and Humanities symposium on the topic of civility. Former Dean of Students Steve Sutton participated in the symposium. "It can be as simple as having a cell phone or eating in class," said Sutton, current vice president of student affairs at the University of St. Thomas. "It can be more serious like students thinking they deserve a grade because they are paying a certain amount of money." Civility in the classroom includes situations that can arise between faculty and students or between students and other students. "I first became aware of problems of civility in the classroom about 15 years ago when I was teaching at another school," said Keith Parsons, associate professor of philosophy. "I was trying to give a lecture while two students sitting near the back carried on a conversation .... Honestly, I was quite shocked. When I was an undergrad 30 years ago you simply did not chatter while the professor lectured. You might have been bored or even half asleep, but you didn't create a disturbance. I thought that such behavior was left behind in grade school." UH-Clear Lake is unique in that it is an upper-level university. Many students are above traditional college age. However, a balance in which instructors maintain their position as managers in the classroom, while still allowing for a free exchange of intellectual thought, is important to preserving classroom civility. "Last year we held an HSH symposium on the topic of civility," Parsons said. "I found that my problems were minor compared to some of the downright rudeness some of my colleagues had encountered. The most egregious incidents involved minority faculty and students who challenged their credentials." The authority of minority faculty has been challenged by students from backgrounds who are not exposed to different cultures. For example, instructors have not been taken seriously just because they have a different accent. Another instance substantiated on this campus involved a student saying to a professor, "Why don't you just shut up and teach!" "For me, incivility is much more about a climate of anti-intellectualism," said Deepa Reddy, assistant professor of anthropology and cross-cultural studies. "I'm much more concerned when students aren't willing to work and learn and challenge their inner most convictions, even for the sake of argument, by working and learning, or indeed when such debate is not fostered [by instructors and other students] in the classroom." Contrastingly, civility issues can also arise when a faculty member is viewed as treating a student unfairly. Associate Vice President of Student Services Darlene Biggers has experienced situations when faculty have been pushed about exams being too difficult or grades being contested. Conflict can arise "when students are trying to push a point about a certain grade or trying to take a test again," Biggers said. One instructor on campus experienced a situation with a student who was unhappy about a midterm grade. When informed of the grade, the student proceeded out of the classroom to shout something unintelligible and beat against the classroom wall. The class just inside the door was still in session. Other cases of incivility can occur between students. This is especially true at a university where group work is facilitated. The difference between assertion and aggression can become a fine line. "I believe the skill of communicating assertively (rather than passive aggressively or aggressively) is critical for students in the social work program in which I teach," said Stephen Erich, assistant professor of social work. "However, I do see conflict between students in the classroom, which to a degree I promote by design. It is essential that our students learn to effectively manage conflict." The definition of assertion can be a difficult one, especially for international students. Many countries view assertiveness as inappropriate or rude. "International students don't come from backgrounds where you talk too much about yourself," said Sameer Pande, coordinator for international and intercultural student services. "Traditionally, by country, you don't argue with the professor. You listen to the professor and leave." Cultural differences can also cause problems in group situations. What is viewed as lack of participation to one member could be seen as polite behavior to another. Civility in the classroom can also be seen as an issue of modernity. Biggers points out that modern technology allows for more disruptive opportunities in the classroom, as is the case with the ever-increasing number of cell phones. The melting pot effect can shake civility. The blending of multiple cultures and lifestyles can breed hostility because of different cultural norms and expectations. "I think our campus is becoming more diverse," said Rebecca Thompson, coordinator for the Student Assistance Center and adviser to the Unity Club. "We have a lot of different cultures and gay and lesbian groups. There are a lot of transgender issues." Students of alternative sexual preferences have been demeaned by instructors with words such as "why don't you dress like a girl" and "you won't get a husband dressing like that." These insults are usually unintentional, due to a lack of understanding. Instructors often adopt approaches like the "community standards model" used in residence halls. This allows instructors and students to discuss, on the first day of class, what behaviors are considered appropriate. If a student, faculty or staff member is involved in or observes a civility conflict that disturbs them, steps can be taken. Informally, students can voice opinions regarding classroom civility on confidential, end-of-semester evaluations. Formally, a Student Code of Conduct is in place in the Student Life Policies handbook. Grievances between students can be directed to the Office of Student Services. Student grievances about faculty can be directed to the dean of the school under which the faculty member instructs. A Faculty Handbook also outlines privileges and responsibilities of faculty. Instructors generally try to discuss an issue with a student privately at first. However, if the situation does not improve, faculty members can also seek recourse with the dean of the school under which they instruct. "The most important thing to know is there are processes in place," said Sameer Pande. "There are people to talk to-whichever place you feel comfortable going. They should not keep it within themselves. It's your right and responsibility." Parsons views incivility in the classroom as a reflection of the epidemic of rudeness in our society. "I think manners really do matter," Parsons said. "Rudeness is violence in the embryo stage and it should be taken seriously." "It is going back to the golden rule," Biggers said. "Faculty and students need to be treated with respect."