See the Rhetoric School Handbook for the complete policy.
We are not against technology and electronics, per se, at Geneva. However, their use on campus is often more of a distraction than a useful endeavor. For these reasons and more, the following policies are in place.
As is well documented by copious research, smart phones and the constant access they provide to social media, games, and other more pernicious distractions are the greatest threat to our student culture and to our students’ academic readiness. We urge parents not to give their students smartphones. If however a student in ninth through twelfth grades has a cellular telephone or other electronic communication devices (ECD—any devices not normally included under the title of “cell phone” that is designed to receive and/or send an electronic signal) in school, on School property, at after school activities and at school-related functions, the cellular telephone or other ECD must remain off (not merely placed in vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight in the student’s locker or backpack. Students in lower grades may not have phones on campus or at any school-related function.
The use of cellular telephones and other ECDs that contain built-in cameras is always prohibited in locker rooms, bathrooms, and/or locations (including classrooms) in which inappropriate or privacy violating images may be obtained.
Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action and/or confiscation of the cellular telephone or ECD. See below for confiscation protocols. The division head may also refer the matter to law enforcement if the violation involves a possible illegal activity (e.g., viewing illegal material).
Should a Geneva faculty member discover a student using a cellular phone or other ECD in violation of the above policies:
- He or she will ask the student to turn in the ECD.
- The faculty member will not look at the screen or view the contents of the ECD and will conduct no search of the electronic device unless directed to do so by the headmaster.
- If the division head suspects the ECD has been used in a way that violates state or federal laws they should contact local law enforcement. All searches will follow proper legal protocol.
For information on student use of personal laptops, see “Money and Electronics” in each School’s handbook. The confiscation of laptop computers from students who are in violation of the above policies follows the same guidelines as outlined regarding the confiscation of cellular phones and ECDs.