Nearly everyone has experienced a class in which there was at least one consistently disruptive student. In high school, class disruption may be all fun and games, but in college, the stakes are higher.
Students who are seen as rude or disrespectful may have a harder time networking and finding professional opportunities. Those who are not quick to correct these behaviors may suffer when career options present themselves.
Kerri Ouber, Center for Student Excellence (CSE) advisor, listed some basic rules of classroom etiquette: "to show up to class, be on time, be prepared and participate."
Ouber advised students to be wary of their etiquette outside of the class as well as inside. Students who send informal emails to professors and teachers may come across as disrespectful and unprofessional.
"I think emails should be formal," said Ouber. "Students need to begin preparing now for the professional world. My boss would not appreciate me sending her an email as if I am texting her. I have had students email me in all capital letters. It sounds like they are screaming at me."
Dr. Reine Bouton, an English professor, further stressed the importance of respectful behavior when writing professional emails.
"The most challenging aspect of written communication is tone," said Bouton, "and this is where I've seen some problems with student emails. The tone in some emails can greatly affect the meaning and feel of an email. For example, a student may write, 'I'm emailing because I need you to re-schedule my test for next week.' To me, a more effective approach would be, 'I'd like to ask if I can reschedule my test for next week.' The first one sounds like an order, the second like a request, and it all has to do with tone."
 Olivia Moreno, a freshman art major, explained how the breaching of class etiquette can affect the learning environment of other students as well. Rude behaviors from other students can be discouraging and intrusive.
"I'm not very skilled in math," said Moreno, "so when the teacher asks if anyone has any questions and I raise my hand, I encounter a lot of rude people rolling their eyes or scoffing at the fact that I don't understand it completely yet. It discourages me from learning what I need to know. I have to make good grades, and I partially have to pay to be here, so I'd rather not waste my education due to people being rude and impatient."
Dr. Linda Deamer, social work professor and assistant child welfare coordinator, pointed out that proper classroom etiquette also includes taking the initiative to review the material and prepare for class discussion.
"I'm amazed that students, as a whole, don't read," said Deamer. "An instructor knows, during classroom discussions and questions that are being asked, which students read and which students do not. For those students who plan to graduate and then further their education, going to graduate school, they won't be prepared, they won't do as well or it may be challenging for them to adjust."
Acting inappropriately in class can lead to dire consequences for a student. College is an institution of opportunity, including the sharpening of professional behavior. Displaying proper classroom etiquette can mean the difference between sinking or swimming after the degree is earned.