Jack Cranford from Biology is chair of the Assessment and Climate Committee. Campus climate is sometimes referred to as the informal and formal climate on university campuses that affects learning. A large part of campus climate is uncivil behavior that ranges from students who bang their way out of classrooms disturbing their colleagues, to e-mail that disparages a particular ethnic or minority group, to physical and verbal harassment. The issue of campus climate is widespread across American universities and campuses. Dr. Bill Snizek, Alumni Distinguished Professor of Sociology - One concern is a growing level of instability among certain students, a small group of students who are very vocal and very intrusive in their behavior.
Rude behavior includes coming to class late, leaving early, talking and joking.
This can be very disruptive. Dr. Snizek feels sorry for the students who are punctual, yet cannot hear what is going on. To interrupt a lecture to ask students to stop talking is disconcerting and affects the learning environment of the class. This is an issue that needs to be addressed. Dr. Jack Cranford, Biology Department, Chair of Climate Committee - Dr. Cranford handed out the Climate Committee report, which characterized responses received from students.