Here's why:
* It modifies a noun: The clause describes the students, the noun in the main clause "whenever the intercom buzzed."
* It functions as an adjective: It acts like an adjective, providing more information about the noun it modifies.
* It includes a subject and verb: The clause has the subject "students" and the verb "listened."
Therefore, the clause in parentheses is an adjective clause, specifically a restrictive adjective clause because it is essential to understanding which students are being referred to.