Code of Conduct Example

Here's the example of the Code of Conduct I created:

Food Code of Conduct in Frieden’s class

Introduction:

Frieden’s class, though seemingly loose in structure, is a place of mutual respect and dignity. The focus is on learning, yes, but there are many particulars that go into creating an environment where authentic learning occurs. Though it’s relaxed most days, Frieden means business and anyone who walks through the door needs to acknowledge this.

One of the ways people let loose is by sharing a meal together. Frieden recognizes that if it’s been a while since their last meal, students can easily get distracted. So food is allowed in the class, but there are certain guidelines. If any class cannot follow these guidelines, then they will lose the privilege of eating during class.

1. Standards of Behavior: Anyone who brings food into Frieden’s class must follow a few rules. All students who choose to eat should . . .

Open and close any containers quietly—if containers are not quiet, it’s best to open/close them before entering the class.

·        Eat as discretely as possible—there is no need to unfold a picnic blanket and pull out a four-course meal.

o   One item out at a time.

o   Please, no assembly – If it requires more than two steps to eat it, save it for later.

·        Be willing to share—If someone sitting next to you is hungry and you are creating a distraction for that person, perhaps you should bring enough for the two of you.

2. Inappropriate Behavior: Simply put, anything that is distracting or gets in the way of learning will not be tolerated. In addition, bringing food into the classroom that invites insects and or vermin are not allowed. If you bring food, please DO NOT . . .

·        Make it a distraction—This would include opening and/or closing loud containers, chewing with your mouth open (which is disgusting!), or belching in satisfaction (save that crap for you and your buddies).

·        Litter—If you throw it on the floor, then your privileges go out the door.

·        Throw away food containers in the classroom trash cans—This is a great way to invite insects and/or vermin, which also means that it is a good way to cause a class to lose its food privileges. The only exception to this rule would be drink containers that are washed out in the sink (please recycle).

3. Proactive strategies: At first, most people will follow the rules in an environment, but people will start to get a little too comfortable and the order maintained at the beginning will start to deteriorate. At this point, if you are noticing this, it’s time to correct your behavior and remind those around you of the food code of conduct, lest you lose your food eating privileges. To help me maintain an environment that is relaxing and helpful for learners to pay attention, free from distraction, do the following…

·        Remind your classmates of the rules—If you see someone starting to slip up, gently remind them of the rules.

·        Discretely tell Frieden—If you notice more than one person starting to slip up, please inform Frieden. There is no need to snitch, simply say that you’ve noticed that some people are starting to slip up. At this point, Frieden can remind them.

·        Offer to throw away someone’s trash—We all know that everyone is responsible for their own stuff, but if it helps contribute to a more positive environment and you were already on your way to the trash can (outside, of course), then why not offer to help a classmate out? Who knows, maybe they will do you a small favor later on!

·        Praise someone for what they do right—If you see someone else doing the right thing, then tell them. This goes double for those who are kindly throwing away another person’s trash. Heck, you might even consider thanking them for maintaining a positive learning environment.

4. Reactive Strategies: Since it is clear what is expected, here is what will happen if a student, or students, choose to break the rules . . .

·        Warning—Either the individual or the class will be given a warning that they are making poor choices and that they have to get back on track.

·        Put food away for the day—If a warning does not change the behavior, students will be asked to put the food away.

·        Temporary suspension of food privileges—If a student, small group, or class does not get the message from the first two interventions, then there will be a suspension of food privileges.

·        Privileges revoked—at this point it’s clear that you, your group, or the class do not deserve food privileges. The cost far outweighs the benefit and it is hurting your participation in the class.

Apparently, copy and paste from MS Word to a blog makes it look terrible. Sorry for ugly formatting. It's a good thing I attached in the email.