Although classes have been in session for less than two weeks, it has occurred in almost every class at the University: the blaring, distracting ring of someone's cell phone in the middle of a lecture or class discussion. The prevalence of cell phones has soared in the past few years, along with the rudeness of students. Students who choose to use cell phones should be responsible enough to think about how they effect others in the University community when doing so.
It's impossible to believe that some calls are so important as to be answered in the middle of class. Back in the dark ages when I was a first year, few students carried phones around with them on a regular basis. No one dared to have their phone sing "Dixie" during a lecture. In the time since then, however, phone calls have apparently become such an essential part of life that one must be answered immediately. Otherwise students wouldn't leave their ringers on when it's certain that a call cannot be answered.
The more likely cause, of course, is that students are forgetful and accidentally leave the ringer on. But this excuse is invalid. There's no reason to remember your phone in the morning but forget to change the ringer setting.
If this trend continues, professors and instructors will almost certainly retaliate - and they should. A simple announcement at the beginning of the semester banning the ringing of phones could be quite effective. There's no reason for instructors to tolerate such a distraction and they certainly can ask a student to permanently leave the class if his or her cell phone rings one day.
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Some professors already have implemented such regulations. And rightly so. It's difficult enough to maintain students' attention in a large lecture class without the annoying ring of a cell phone. In smaller discussion-oriented settings, the impact may be even more disquieting. There is simply no reason to tolerate such a disturbance.
The same goes for computer labs and library study areas. These places are designed so that any student has access to a quiet area to work and study. Contrary to popular belief, some students actually try to study at Clemons and aren't there to listen to others socialize on the phone. If a student's phone rings, he should answer it and talk outside. It's inconsiderate for those on cell phones to think that they're having just another conversation that isn't distracting. Often, people speak more loudly on a cell phone than normal. For the people sitting next to them trying to write a term paper, it's rude and unnecessary.
It's disappointing to think that University students have become so cavalier in their attitude toward others that such a problem with cell phones would emerge. For the most part, University students are well-mannered and respectful. Such behavior is deeply ingrained in the tradition of the ideal "Virginia gentleman."
Cell phones, unfortunately, recently have brought out an uncharacteristic rudeness in some students. Those whose ringers have sounded at inappropriate times probably are not intentionally trying to disrupt others. Everyone is forgetful sometimes. But the trend of ringing phones is a far greater problem than just an infrequent occurrence.
It's clear that cell phones are more popular than ever. With prices dropping and technology improving, it's only a matter of time before everyone has one. Their use slowly has begun to emerge in many aspects of the public sphere. It's no wonder that movies begin with some cartoon character with a friendly reminder about turning ringers off.
Similarly, cell phone use continues to rise on Grounds. With it should come the awareness and responsibility to use phones politely.
Although cell phones are convenient and useful as a method of communication, students must respect others in the University community. Any student certainly has the right to carry a phone around and use it on Grounds. But choosing the appropriate time and place to do so must become as prevalent as the phones themselves.
(Katherine Martini's column appears Mondays in The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at kmartini@cavalierdaily.com.)
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