[JamesBrown]

Personally I don't see this as being an issue at all. The students you saw may or may not be active members on the team. I have personally been on teams that brought students who had spent little or no time participating in the program before competition but who wanted to come for the same reason they would go to any of their High School's sporting events, they are looking for a day of entertainment and they want to support their friends. As a mentor from a small rookie team I have to say that I really appreciate these students coming to the events and supporting the team. We do make sure that every one representing the program (guests included) know that first is different than regular sporting events (no booing or heckling etc).

I have no issue if a student is using a laptop or playing a game during speeches and opening ceremonies, as long as they are not disturbing those around them (ie, not standing up or playing with the volume on). I would much rather have disinterested audience members entertain them selves than have them disturb others by talking, or fidgeting.

Quite frankly Dean is boring. I love the message that he is delivering but he is not a great public speaker. It is important that these students hear Dean's message but there are plenty of opportunities to deliver it to them through the program.

I am not offended by them quietly entertaining them selves, and I am sure that Dean isn't either. Having lectured and presented to large groups numerous times, it doesn't bother me if people are not paying attention, it is more important to deliver the message to the people who want to hear it. If the message is important enough (and Dean's is) then it will eventually get through to the others.