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Class Policies

First and most important. I may need to change the class schedule, assignments or re-weigh the assignments durring the term. I will announce these changes in class and/or via email.

You are responsible for whatever goes on in class whether you choose to come or not. Also, you must accept and read my emails from moodle.

As a new instructor at this university, I may not be aware of all official policies. Be aware, I will abide by all university rules even if they differ from my class policies.

Grading

Grades will be given on the following scale: 4.0 - 5.0 = A; 3.0 - 3.9 = B; 2.0 - 2.9 = C; 1.0 - 1.9 = D; 0.0 - 0.9 = F. On this scale, you may earn a high "A" (e.g. 4.9) or a low F" (e.g., 0.3). I will use these numbers to create a weighted average and determine your final grade. However, I rarely give a grade above a 4.5 and may put an absolute upper limit on some simple assignments.

I encourage and often reward grade appeals. You should review your tests and papers. Successful appeals will be based on an alternative viewpoint or a reasonable misunderstanding. If your text or other credible source disagrees with my "correct" answer, I will change grades for only those people that appeal. Key errors will still be corrected on all papers. I will NEVER accept student notes as a credible source.

Grades are final at the end of the term and can only be changed due to my error. Extra work is not allowed. The university policy on incomplete is quite clear and I support it.

I will not stand for academic dishonesty in any form. I will do everything I need to protect my honest students. If writing a term paper for me, please see my special policy on plagiarism.

Homework

Work must reflect professional standards -- unless I make a specific exception. Homework is to be typed or computer generated. I assume correct spelling and grammar.

See web page for general hints on term papers and other written assignments.

Work is due at the start of class on date assigned. Ten minutes after the class starts, the assignment is late. Late work is assess a 10% penalty per working day for undergrad classes and 5% for grad classes. Extensions are rare but only possible if I am contacted before the deadline.

Extra credit is not encouraged. I give you enough work. I will accept proposals if made early enough. Events will allow for some extra credit.

Electronic Submission

All electronic submission MUST include student's last name and due date for the assignment in the text and in the FILE NAME. For example, an assignment from me due January 20th may be named "Dick0120". Computer disks must have the same information on the label. There will be a deduction of a half letter grade if this is not done and you may not get credit for the assignment at all.

Testing

Test are given on time. Anyone not taking the test on time will be given a different and probably more difficult exam. Most of the time, special test times must be arranged in advance. Students wishing to make up a test after it is given MUST contact me by the day of the next class meeting with verification of an emergency need.

Classroom

In the classroom, you are expected to give priority to the class itself. Any distraction from the class is not allowed including outside reading or work.

In my classroom, you may not:

  • Read a newspaper.
  • Do work other than projects done by the class as a whole.
  • Use or have on wireless communications devices other than those that support current work of the class. If I hear or see cell phones, you lose credit for the class.

Lectures do not necessarily duplicate reading material. Do not assume that you can skip either readings or classes and still do well.

Questions are always welcome. I have a tendency to teach too fast. Everyone will be happier if you stop me occasionally. Outright challenges to my ideas are encouraged and often rewarded.

Very often, I direct class discussions in certain topics or points. All class discussions, movies and comments may find their way onto a test.

Learn and use industry vocabulary. Terms defined in class will not be defined during tests. Proper use of vocabulary is expected in homework. This is important to me.

Classes will be conducted. I will make every effort to come to class on time or give some warning if I can not come at all. In the event I am late, I expect classes to wait ten minutes. If I come in that time, I will continue with class and hold the whole class responsible for the content. Note: Graduate students have greater responsibilities. See below. PLEASE NOTE: no matter what you hear from others, I alone will determine if classes are cancelled.

Recording is acceptable provided: 1.) it is done by a registered member of the class (or on behalf of a registered member of the class due to a pre-approved special need); 2) it is not disruptive to the class; 3) it is done solely to further the educational experience; 4.) it does not infringe upon my rights to original content produced for the class.

I will not allow student to either be disruptive to or ignore the class. Disruptive students will be asked to leave and not given credit for class attendance. Students that ignore the class will also lose credit for class attendance.

A map of this floor is posted near the elevator marking the evacuation route and the Designated Rescue Area. This is an area where emergency service personnel will go first to look for individuals who need assistance in exiting the building. Students who may need assistance should identify themselves to the teaching faculty.

Attendance

Plan on attending the whole class. You are held responsible for everything that goes on in class whether you choose to come or not. I will help you catch-up but nothing replaces coming to class. Good notes are not available for missed class.

Participation grades are based on your participation in class and not just on your attendance. Sitting quietly in every class is not good enough.

Missed Class: You are expected to come to class. I am more interested in you being in class than the reason why you are not there. Still, if you have a valid illness or university, professional, religious function, please make arrangements as soon as possible. If a test, quiz or in-class assignment was missed, I may allow a make-up depending on the validity of the need to miss class. Planned events require advanced arrangements. Non-urgent medical appointments are not considered a valid reasons for missing class. In every case, it is better to talk to me in advance of missing a class.

Coming late or leaving early will be noted and treated as an absence.

Special Arrangements:

Students with impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills are encouraged and have the responsibility to contact their instructor, in a timely fashion, regarding reasonable accommodation of their needs. Reasonable independent verification may be required. Accommodations must be requested before they are needed. Students who may be in need are encouraged to seek help from the Office for Services to Students with Disabilities.

Contacting me

E-mail is the best way to send messages to me. Paper communication should be put in my mailbox in the Communications department office.

As much as possible, put requests and agreements in writing. After a discussion with me, send me an email to outline our agreement in print.Check the class web page and maintain e-mail contact for more information.

Evacuation Proceedures

A map of this floor is posted near the elevator marking the evacuation route and the Designated Rescue Area. This is an area where emergency service personnel will go first to look for individuals who need assistance in exiting the building. Students who need assistanceshould identify themselves to the professor.

Warnings

I like vocabulary. Learn it and use it correctly.

I am forgetful. Assume you have to remind me.

I prefer to give and discuss assignments only once.

I have a hearing problem. It can cause a problem when the room is noisy, when you are whispering or with certain voices.