Not Allowed to Leave Class?
Has anyone ever experienced a professor who prohibits students from leaving the classroom except during designated breaks? One of my professors has recently enforced this policy. Since our last class on Friday, she has sent out two emails stating that leaving and reentering during lecture is disrespectful and disruptive.
Now, she insists that if we are late or need to step out during the three-hour lecture, we won’t be allowed back in until break or the class ends, requiring us to wait outside the room. This is quite unusual for me, as I’ve always found it common for students to step out during classes. My classmates and I think this restriction is unreasonable, and I’m curious if anyone else has faced a similar situation or knows if such a rule is permissible.
To add to the frustration, during our last class, where she claimed students were frequently coming and going (there were only about three at most), she set off a loud alarm every five minutes to signal when to transition to the next topic. Seems like that could be just as disruptive, if not more so!
It sounds like you’re dealing with a pretty unusual situation! I can understand why you and your classmates might find those restrictions frustrating. While it’s not uncommon for professors to set rules about behavior in their classrooms, a complete ban on leaving during a long lecture seems pretty extreme. Many professors understand that students may need to take breaks, especially during a three-hour class.
From my experience, communication and mutual respect are key in situations like this. Perhaps it’s worth discussing with your professor directly—maybe there’s a reason for her strict policy that you’re not aware of? It might help to express your concerns about the length of the class and the importance of being able to take short breaks when needed.
Regarding the alarm, that does seem counterproductive to maintaining a respectful classroom environment! It could be beneficial to suggest an alternative method for her to keep track of time without it being disruptive.
In any case, if things remain problematic, it could be worth raising these issues with someone in student services or academic advising to seek further guidance. Good luck!