Cell Phone Policy

We are creating a cell phone-free academic workshop space to ensure meaningful dialogue, rigorous scholarship, and authentic community building. We are implementing a policy for cell phones and electronic devices by following the example of Bard High School Early College Manhattan. This policy aims to foster a focused and productive learning environment where students can concentrate without distractions, think critically, and prepare for college and life beyond.

Overview

• Students’ devices will be collected and securely stored in the classroom before the first workshop.

• Devices will be returned at the end of the academic day at 3:00PM, or 1:00PM on Wednesdays.

• During field trips, devices are returned while off-campus.

• Students won’t access their devices during workshops or breaks.

Personal electronic devices that will be collected

• Personal cell phones

• Smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch)

• Other internet-enabled personal electronic devices not being used for academic purposes

Storage

• Student devices will be stored within one portable organizer located in the classroom.

• This organizer will be secured in a locked classroom during break and meal times.

• The organizer will be monitored by L&T Kyiv personnel during all arrival and dismissal times.

Procedure

• Students enter via Mykoly Shpaka Street, proceed up to the check in (room to be communicated at the beginning of the program), and place devices in labeled pockets within the organizer.

• Students exit the room and proceed to pick up light snacks before the first academic workshop (room to be communicated at the beginning of the program).

• Students who arrive late to campus will submit their devices upon arrival.

• Devices are stored safely until the end of classes, when they are returned before dismissal.

• After their last academic workshop, students retrieve devices from the organizer and exit.

Device use during non-instructional times

Students won’t have access to their devices during academic workshops or breaks. All devices will stay safely stored until the end of the academic day.

Parents calling to reach their student

Students and parents can get in touch through the Kyiv School of Economics main phone line (provided at the beginning of the program) or, in case of an emergency, by contacting the L&T Kyiv Program Director Yana Lahoda directly (provided at the beginning of the program). When parents call the school’s main line (the number will be provided at the beginning of the program), they can request to speak with their student. Staff at the line will ask parents to leave a callback number, notify the student through the instructor or designated staff member, and ensure that the student returns the call as soon as possible. In urgent cases, staff will immediately connect the parents and the student, either by providing access to the phone or by contacting the student directly, so that communication occurs without delay.

Students calling their parents

Students may ask to use a landline phone to call their parents during the school day. The process is as follows: (1) student requests permission from the instructor (unless it is a scheduled break or lunch); (2) instructor or designated staff provides access to the landline; and (3) student makes the call. In case of an emergency, students are allowed to use the phone immediately. Staff will ensure that urgent communications are handled promptly, so the parent can be reached without waiting for a scheduled break.

Accommodation related exceptions

If you need an exception to the cell phone policy, please fill out the L&T Kyiv Cell Phone Policy Exception Request form (to be communicated at the beginning of the program). Bard College staff will review the request and Yana Lahoda will let you know the decision.

Students with medical needs may be allowed to carry and use personal internet-enabled devices during the school day if necessary for their healthcare. A licensed medical provider must confirm in writing that the device is needed to monitor or manage a medical condition. Students with a documented medical exception may use their device as specified in the approved plan, for example, to receive alerts from a glucose monitor or insulin pump. All other device rules still apply.

Response to policy violations

When a student doesn’t follow the cell phone policy, our goal is to guide behavior in a supportive and respectful way. Students will not be suspended from L&T Kyiv solely for cell phone policy violations. Instead, we focus on promoting accountability, rebuilding trust, and strengthening our learning community.

Incidents of non-compliance will be addressed using a progressive, age-appropriate approach, which may include guidance meetings with the student and, when appropriate, a parent or caregiver, collaborative problem-solving, or creating a behavioral agreement.

Because our program is only three weeks long, we prioritize maintaining a supportive and productive learning environment, helping students learn from mistakes, and developing self-regulation and responsible decision-making skills. Families are essential partners in this process and will be engaged early and meaningfully. All measures follow the principles of fairness, respect, and educational guidance, in line with Article 54 of the Law of Ukraine “On Education.”