The Clarke Testing Center is implementing a new policy regarding cell phones. If a student’s cell phone rings while in the Testing Center, the student will not be allowed to continue the test.

“I think it’s a good idea at heart, but it may be a little harsh for those who aren’t aware of the consequences,” said Suzanne Bragg, a Testing Center proctor, and a junior from Medford, Ore.

When a cell phone goes off, the proctor must immediately identify the student and take away his or her test.

If the proctor cannot identify whose cell phone rang, the proctor must stop everyone from continuing their tests.

No one is allowed to resume until the cell phone is found and its owner’s test is taken away.

There was a day when the students’ cell phones were taken away along with the test when they were caught.

Now the cell phone is not taken away unless it can be used as evidence, meaning there are signs of text messaging.

The test may be resumed after the student talks to a dean of students. A cell phone ringing is regarded as cheating and students will be judged accordingly.

“It sounds like a pretty harsh punishment for forgetfulness,” said Denice Hurlbut, a senior from Oklahoma City, Okla.

“I support (the new policy) 100 percent. If it’s well advertised it should work well. Students have to consider how disruptive it can be to others,” said Jim Sessions, dean of students.

Some students turn their cell phones to vibrate instead of regarding the warning to turn them off.

The Testing Center will not tolerate this. If a cell phone vibrates, it will still be considered cheating.

Bragg said proctors are instructed to take away tests if they even see a cell phone.

The exception is when the cell phone is secured to a belt loop and not being touched. If the cell phone is turned off the proctor isn’t required to take the test away.

Testing Center Director John Dexter decided on this rule for this semester. He said they would enforce this policy aggressively.

“People think they have a right to their cell phones,” Dexter said. “That right stops when it affects other people.”

There have been many violations of the policy already. Though the students caught with cell phones aren’t happy about it, most understand the rule.

“It’s a little intense, but then again it is distracting when someone’s phone rings,” said Lydia Labrum, a senior from St. George, Utah.

Dexter said that last semester there was a lot of leniency in dress and grooming standards. These standards will also be aggressively enforced this semester.

Dexter also said there’s been some discussion whether to establish this type of policy for the classroom.

The current classroom policy is instructors are allowed to use their judgement in deciding whether cell phones are allowed or not.