The State of Indiana has implemented a new law requiring a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in schools. As an independent school, University is not directly affected by this change. Our policy has been, and will remain, that students cannot use cellphones during structured time on campus. This means cellphones may not be used during classes, during Community Meeting, or during any other time when we are gathered together with shared purpose. We are, however, modifying our practices to help promote better behavior around cellphones. Teachers will collect cellphones at the start of each class period. Students found on a phone during Community Meeting or other structured activities will have their phones confiscated for the remainder of the day. Students may still access and use their cellphones during unstructured times such as lunch. We believe this renewed focus on our approach will help students develop habits that allow them to use cellphones and other personal technology as helpful tools while also prioritizing healthy academic and social connections. Please see the full policy in the Student-Parent Handbook.
