Instructor should all follow same rules
I strongly believe that all instructors should have a base of classroom policies and everyone should be made to follow them. I have found that if I am strict about the dress code and flip flops being worn, students seem to retaliate by saying that other instructors do not make them do it. I feel like "the bad one" when I enforce the school policy and send students home to correct the dress code.
I agree, students are happier when it is clear what is expected of them. Consistency is very important.
This IS frustrating and seems like it is a constant issue. It's even more difficult with adjuncts that are only here a couple hours a week. Some ways we try to manage the rules are when we do talk to a student or enforce the rules with a student put out a department wide email alerting the other instructors of the behavior to watch out for. You really need a team effort and it's certainly not easy! Otherwise the students DO PEG you as the "mean" one, but remember...they will thank you later when they understand their behaviors/expectations in the work force!
