CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE, STUDENT BEHAVIOR, & GUIDELINES

The purpose of this information is to assist students in understanding proper classroom behavior. The classroom should be a learning-centered environment in which faculty and students are unhindered by disruptive behavior. Students are expected to maintain proper decorum in the classroom. MedSmarter Test Prep is an institution of higher education that promotes the free exchange of ideas. However, students must adhere to the rules set forth by the instructor. Failure to comply with classroom rules may result in dismissal from the class and/or Program. Faculty have the authority to manage their classrooms to ensure an environment conducive to learning.

Take responsibility for your education - There is a common myth among students that because they pay tuition they deserve to receive credit for the class. Payment does not constitute successful completion/results. Instructors are here to create a learning environment. Whether you learn depends on your willingness to listen, ask appropriate questions, and do the work necessary to pass the course. If your academic preparation from medical school is weak or if you have been out of school for a period of time, you may have to work harder and seek more help in order to succeed.

Attend every class - You will find that students who attend every class, listen to the instructor, and take good notes will be more likely to pass (with higher scores). If you have an emergency or illness, contact your instructor ahead of time to let her/him know that you will be absent. A local study showed that students who missed the first class meeting were more likely later to withdraw or fail. Important note: if you miss a class it is your responsibility to meet with the instructor, outside of regular class time, to determine a plan to make up any missed work, if possible.

Get to class on time - Students who walk/log into the classroom late or leave early distract other students and disrupt the learning environment.

Do not have private conversations - The noise is distracting to other students.

Turn cellular phones off - It is very distracting to hear someone’s phone go off in class. Texting in class is prohibited.

Do not dominate other students’ opportunities to learn by asking too many questions - It’s good to ask questions and make comments, but if you dominate the class time with too many questions and/or comments, the instructor and other students cannot participate in class discussions. When asking questions or making comments, keep them related to the discussion at hand.

Respect your instructor - Openly challenging the instructor’s knowledge or authority in the classroom is not proper. If you take issue with the instructor’s information or instructional methods, make sure that your comments are made without confrontation or antagonism. You may want to discuss your issues with her/him privately.

Instructors’ classroom policies, procedures, and teaching styles vary - Some instructors enforce attendance policies vigorously; other instructors are more lenient about attendance. Assignments and classroom activities are at the prerogative of the instructor. Each instructor has the freedom and authority to set the guidelines and policies for their classroom (within the overall policies of MedSmarter).

Your classmates deserve your respect and support - Others may have different ideas and opinions from yours, they may ask questions you perceive to be “stupid,” but they deserve the same level of respect from you as you wish from them.

Come to class prepared - Students who forget common classroom supplies such as a pencil, paper, books, test materials, etc. usually waste class time. Students who have not completed their assigned homework many times ask questions that could have been answered through their assignments.

Turn in your work on time - It is important to plan ahead. Students who wait until the last minute to do their work usually make lower grades and are more likely to miss deadlines. Study and do your assignments every day. If a problem occurs at the last minute such as a computer malfunction, you will still be prepared.

Academic Integrity - All students at MedSmarter are expected to engage in academic pursuits on their own with complete honesty and integrity. Any student found guilty of dishonesty in any phase of academic work will be subject to disciplinary action (including possible removal from the program)

No Food in Class - Although we understand you may need to have your cup of coffee in the morning or mid-day snack, it is of utmost importance that we maintain a high level of sanitation on campus (and avoid distractions online). We do this by limiting food consumption to the breakroom (leave your lunch and dinner in the fridge) – please, help us keep our classrooms focused on learning and not distracting instructors and students with sights and smells. You may bring covered drinks and light snacks to class but ask your instructor first! We encourage you to bring food and leave it in the fridge (put your name on your items) while being respectful of others’ food. Please, do not take what is not yours or without asking. We clean out the fridge on Friday so don’t leave anything over the weekend.

Dress Code - As future physicians we expect you to dress the part. Making an effort to dress presentably reflects who you are as a person and affects your performance – look sharp, be sharp! That means scrubs or business casual attire only. Do not come to class in pajamas, or without being presentable! MedSmarter is located in a business plaza, and we have medical faculty visiting periodically who wish to see a certain level of professionalism.

Do not bring children to class - Children in classrooms are distracting to the instructor, other students, and you. You need to plan ahead for child care.

When having academic difficulty seek assistance - Your instructors are willing to assist you however, there are other ways to get help. Student Services can assist you with course scheduling and tutoring in addition to the courses.

If you have questions or need assistance, please make an appointment to see your academic advisor or call (678) 944-7150. She/he is willing to assist you so you can succeed.