Course Policies

Know the syllabus. Starting on the second day of class, the syllabus is binding and should be referred to when you have a question. When information is required, I will post that info on the course blog (see the top of the syllabus for the address).
I will always let you know (in “real” class time) when I’ve provided more information on the web, and will never make changes to the syllabus without consulting you. In this course though, email is a requirement. I won’t answer any (process-oriented) questions in class unless you can first tell me what the web page or syllabus says about it.

Web Usage. It is necessary that you familiarize yourself with google docs. I will use google docs to accept your assignments and to post some information. I will also ask you to record your group interactions (if you have a group of three) in google docs (specifically, a record of meetings, decision and work completed). You will also need to access your Malone email regularly to receive messages from me. And, you will also need, as discussed before, find announcements, reading due dates and ancillary materials on the class blog.

Attend class. While there are no unique penalties for missing class, it is impossible for you to earn any points for “Community Involvement” while missing class. It will be almost impossible to miss class periods (without a college-sanctioned or teacher-sanctioned excuse) and earn an “A” in the Community Involvement section of this class. A “teacher-sanctioned excuse” will only be issued for severe illness, death and emergencies. You must procure these “excuses” BEFORE class (calling or emailing).

Turn in your work early. All work will be due in class on the due date marked in the calendar. Late assignments will only be accepted with prior permission. Assignments turned in on the due date but outside of class will have five points deducted. Assignments will lose one letter grade of value for each class day that they are late. Assignments which are late will receive minimum feedback and will not be accepted one week after their due date.

Write carefully. The Communication Arts department policy for all written assignments is that students will receive one grade reduction for more than three errors in grammar, mechanics, syntax, spelling and punctuation.

Don’t cheat. Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Any instances of plagiarism, cheating, or dishonesty will be dealt with as outlined in the student handbook.

Wait one night. I do not discuss the grades I assign on the day that I return them to you. I encourage students to question and be forthright about their questions, but our conversation will proceed more productively if you have at least one night to reflect on my feedback, and construct your response.

Get Help. If you have a learning disability, I want to participate in your success. If you haven’t been to Disability Services yet, please visit. If you have, let me know how I can help, and I’ll be very glad to participate in any modifications I can. Even if you don’t have a learning disability, I believe that everyone can benefit from outside assistance. Be sure to visit the writing center during the semester, particularly as you develop your final paper.