/Institutions/Donnelly-College/json/2025-2026/Academic-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Donnelly-College/json/2025-2026/Academic-Catalog.json

Personal Electronic Devices

To support an environment in which students can fully engage with their classmates, their instructors, and their own learning, Donnelly College has determined that access to cell phones, headphones, and smart devices should be limited during allotted class times. The objective of this policy is to strengthen Donnelly College’s focus on learning, in alignment with our mission to provide education and community services with a personal concern for the needs and abilities of each student and with a view towards our values of truth, excellence, and community.

I. Research: Research shows that student use of cell phones in schools has negative effects on student performance and mental health. Cell phones distract students from classroom instruction, resulting in smaller learning gains and lower test scores. Increased cell phone use has led to higher levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

II. Applicability: This policy applies to the use of cell phones, headphones, and smart devices (unless permitted by the instructor) by all students attending a class through Donnelly College.

III. Usage: Unless given express permission by the instructor, students are prohibited from using cell phones, other smart devices, and headphones while in class. This includes, but is not limited to, checking notifications, texting/calling, using social media, listening to music, or otherwise interacting with the device. During exams, cell phones and other smart devices are not allowed under any circumstances. Interaction with a device during an exam will result in an automatic zero and the student will be removed from the classroom.

IV. Exceptions: Unless a student requires an accommodation, they are expected to follow the policy. If there is an emergency or other extenuating circumstance, students should consult their instructors to decide whether access to the device will be granted.

V. Storage: Students will be given the option to practice self-regulation; before class begins, they can choose to place their cell phones and other smart devices into the specified container. The devices should be turned off or on silent/airplane mode so as not to risk disrupting class. If the device sounds and interrupts the class, it will count as an instance of interaction with the device and therefore be subject to disciplinary measures. If a student opts not to put their device away, they run the risk of more easily being distracted by the device and are therefore more likely to receive disciplinary action.

VI. Disciplinary Measures: If a student interacts with their cell phone/headphones/smart device or their device rings during class, progressive disciplinary measures will be taken, such as verbal reminders, a written warning, removal of participation points, or disciplinary action by the Dean of the College.