Some Exam Efforts Are Just Phoned In

(I am in a philosophy course with a professor with whom I had taken other courses. He is addressing us regarding his cell phone policy.)

Professor: “Cell phones: I don’t want to see them or hear them. If I do, I will take out of your daily participation points. Flip side to this: if you EVER see or hear my cell phone go off, everyone in this class shall receive an A as their final grade!”

(He pauses for just a moment.)

Professor: “I don’t have a cell phone, so that I don’t see that being a problem.”

(Fast forward to exam day, and we all walk in. The professor takes his coat off and sets his bag around the chair. When he doesn’t notice, I slip a prepaid phone into his bag. He then grabs the exams and goes over the rules.)

Professor: “Please use a pencil. If you need one you can ask me or a fellow student.”

(The prepaid phone rings.)

Professor: “And, NO. You cannot phone a friend.”

(The phone continues ringing.)

Student: “I don’t think that’s any of our phones. Is that your phone? Does that mean we get an A?”

Professor: “Wait. Did… did you guys?”

(He fumbles through his bag and coat. Apparently I can really slip it in there, as I had to call back three times. After he finds it, he holds it up with a big grin.)

Professor: “All right. Which one of you guys did this?”