UHCL cracks down on communication device disturbances
by Gary Frierson
UHCLIDIAN STAFF

Signs posted in the Neumann Library warn patrons of the issue: "Loud phones and quiet places don't go together-be courteous!"

"We've been trying to verbally urge visitors to change their phones to vibrate and keep their voices down during conversations," said Martha Steele, associate director of public services for the library. "But getting the message out one by one has been difficult."

Faculty, staff and students wanting to ease disturbances caused by mobile communication devices in the library and other study areas precipitated the sign postings two weeks ago.

Surprisingly, renewed efforts to ease these interruptions have not entirely come from faculty and staff.

"We have been requested by students to take more action," said Steele, of the motivating force behind the signs.

Students of the Management Association also exercised their power to thwart cell phone disruptions.

"We've added a warning to every handout distributed at association meetings and engagements, reminding members and guests that cell phones must be turned off or put on silent mode," said Daniel Hunsucker, vice president of events planning. "Guest speakers come to many of our meetings, and interruptions are unprofessional and embarrassing."

An informal survey conducted for this article of 29 UH-Clear Lake faculty and students found that Hunsucker is not alone in his assessment. Nearly everyone questioned considered cell phone interruptions a concern.

"My observation is that it [cell phone presence] is increasing," said Dr. Henry Milam, an adjunct instructor for thecommunication program. "Most people I observe are considerate, while a few are quite rude and ignore those around them."

"Disruptive," stated Robin Mina, an adjunct instructor of advanced writing, when asked about the impact of cell phones in the learning environment. She added that her policy is "to remind students at the beginning of class to put their 'phasers on stun' or set their cell phones to no sound."

Ironically, 27 of the 29 people surveyed possessed a cell phone as they moved around campus. Of those, fewer than half admitted conscientiously turning the sound off.

"I sometimes forget to switch to vibrate mode when I'm at school," said Chad Hyland, an undergraduate fitness and human performance major. "Most professors ignore the interruptions anyway and keep right on lecturing."

Hunsucker, Hyland and other students voiced concerns about the faculty's lack of policy on the issue which might contribute to the interruptions.

"Instructors can continue without acknowledging ringing cell phones, but students trying to listen are disadvantaged by the lapse in concentration," said Hunsucker. "I wish all professors would at least verbally reinforce a 'ringers off' policy."

Faculty members are free to enact their own classroom policies regarding the issue. Those surveyed knew of no official university policy addressing cell phones.

Perhaps the formal policies and signs enacted by student organizations and the library will help curb the ringing cell phones.

"Come to think of it, I haven't spoken to anybody about a cell phone ringing in a couple of weeks now," finished Steele.