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For example, when someone walks into a class even a few minutes late, it disrupts the whole class. Everyone, including the professor in most cases, turns to look at that person and loses focus momentarily. Sometimes in these instances, I can see professors falter trying to remember what they were saying. I know things come up and sometimes you just can’t help walking in a little late, but other than those few “accidental” cases, there is no reason to be late for class. We are all big kids now and can handle going to class on time. I know there’s no bell to tell us when we need to leave to get there on time, but use some common sense.

iPods are the new craze around campus and it seems that most people have one. The classroom is not the place to be listening to the latest Justin Timberlake song and “pretending” to be paying attention in class.

My favorite is when people bring their laptops to class, and instead of taking notes, they are messaging people or playing some card game on their computer. Come on, people! Use your heads!

Cell phones-what a great invention. Next time you walk out of a class, notice how many people are walking down Old Main Mall with their cell phone glued to their ear. The most entertaining is when I’m working in the bookstore and someone comes up to pay for their books or whatever, and they can’t take a breather from their conversation for two minutes while I complete their transaction. I guess common courtesy doesn’t matter all the time.

And speaking of entertainment-every so often I see someone walking around and to me, it looks like they are having animated conversations with themselves. But wait-technology strikes again. Instead of having to bother with actually holding the phone, you can have a nifty device in your ear (probably doing some sort of inner ear damage) to carry on your phone conversations. How convenient.

And text messaging-let’s be serious. Your life won’t end if you don’t text message your friends for awhile while you attempt to learn something. Wait until you can call them while walking down Old Main Mall after class. It’s the cool thing to do.

Stop talking to your neighbors during class. I think we learned this in kindergarten, but some of us have apparently forgotten.

And one more thingčwhen’s there are five minutes left in class and you are just aching to get out of there, don’t start shuffling your papers and putting your stuff away just because the clock indicates class will be over soon. This is disrespectful to professors and makes it seem like you can hardly wait to sprint out of class.

We all understand the financial burdens of a college education. But take advantage of the opportunity to actually learn something while you can so when the real world comes (and oh-so-quickly it comes), you won’t make a complete fool of yourself.

The marvels of modern technology are partly to blame for this lack of consideration among Hamline students; however, it is your choice to use them at the appropriate time.

So let’s all act like big boys and girls and take responsibility for ourselves. Be in class on time and actually pay attention. The rest of us would appreciate it. And in case you need a few tips, Sesame Street is on TPT at 9:30 AM.