Class Participation Guidelines MGT 1104

Students arrive at Virginia Tech with varying degrees of comfort and readiness to participate in discussions in the classroom. Class participation will therefore not be graded in this course.

The following guidelines should contribute to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for everyone. We ask that all students abide by them throughout the semester.

• Respect the right of others to hold opinions and beliefs that differ from your own. When you express disagreement, challenge the idea rather than attack the person.
• Be courteous by not interrupting or engaging in your own private conversations during class. Keep cell phones in your bag and silenced during class time.
• Share the floor with others by not dominating the conversation.
• Try not to silence yourself out of concern for what others will think or say. If you see something missing from the discussion, please add it.
• Be aware that the professor is not always right - feel free to tactfully challenge the thoughts and ideas you are hearing in class.

While use of laptops is permitted in class, the instructors are not naive. Facebook, YouTube, etc. will not help you focus. Those detours will also distract your classmates. These activities will not be tolerated in the classroom and you may be asked to leave if they are discovered.