Policies
These general policies are applicable for all courses I teach. For more specific information—particularly for online sections, consult the syllabus for your specific class.
Assignments and Deadlines
Your work represents you. Everything you turn in for evaluation should exemplify the very best of your professional self. Late work is unacceptable and will receive a zero. Technical problems do not excuse late work. Plan ahead and turn in your work on time. Last-minute work submissions are ineligible for revision for a higher grade.
Attendance
Poor attendance will negatively affect your grade. You must endeavor to attend every class, and it is your responsibility to ask a fellow classmate what you missed; in-class assignments, like quizzes, cannot be made up. Too many absences will constitute class failure. Please read the attendance policy carefully.
As much as we seem to be pretending the COVID-19 pandemic is at an end, it is not.[1] In light of this fact, our face-to-face attendance could change at any point if conditions warrant. Please be flexible and attentive to any contingencies. According to Anthony Fauci, 99.2% of people who died in June 2021 were not vaccinated.[2] Similarly, 99.7% of all new COVID-19 cases affect those who are not vaccinated, increasing hospitalization rates in states with a low vaccination numbers.[3] Please get vaccinated if you have not already.
Behavior
Students should conduct themselves like students: take notes, pay attention, ask questions, eliminate distractions, and listen. Improper conduct, including academic falsehood, will negatively effect your grade and may result in other disciplinary measures.
Communication
Communication is integral to success, no matter what we’re talking about. In a digital world, these literacies are particularly important. Not only should you develop and perfect your communication skills while in college, you need to use those skills everyday with your peers and professors.
COVID-19 Statement
On May 13, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control issued new COVID guidance for fully vaccinated individuals, and based on that information, effective immediately, fully vaccinated individuals may now resume campus classes and other activities without wearing a face covering or physically distancing. Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to get a vaccine, to continue wearing a face covering, and to continue socially distancing from others when possible. The vaccines are safe and effective; however, it is an individual decision to receive one and will not be required to be a part of our campuses. Adherence to this guidance is based on personal responsibility.
Evaluation
Evaluation depends on overall student performance: on the successful completion of all requirements, regular participation, and positive attitude. Some requirements are weighed heavier in evaluation, but all are essential to successfully complete the class. Letter grades are based upon a traditional ten-point scale. Grades for this class will be based on the point system.
Participation
Active participation in the classroom is required. Your daily work and attendance represents your participation, e.g.: reading, discussions, training, exercises, library tasks, reading quizzes, peer editing, the viewing of a film, and similar activities. Your participation in group activities and your preparation for class will be weighed heavily in evaluation: participation, effort, and attitude count significantly. You should not sit in class like you’re watching TV: learning requires active participation and enthusiasm . Participation grades cannot be made up.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is serious academic misconduct. Willful or accidental plagiarism—including using AI tools to generate assignments—will result in assignment failures, potential class failure, and will be pursued to incite the utmost penalty for such dishonesty.
Research
All writing in this course should be supported with both primary (readings I assign you) and secondary (sources you find yourself) texts. All suppositions must be supported with evidence, whether they appear on a forum post, a blog post, a Wikipedia article, or class discussion. In other words: research is an integral component of everything you do in this course. Any ideas that are not supported might as well not be written.
Technology Requirements
All students should have a newish computer with dependable Internet access. A tablet for reading PDFs is convenient, but not a requirement of the course. Students should check the course site daily for updates. Students are responsible for working out all of their technical difficulties.
Withdrawal Policy
Students are encouraged to read the withdrawal policy before dropping/withdrawing from class.
notes
- ↑ Incredibly, according to USA Facts, under 40% of Georgians are fully vaccinated as of July 2021.
- ↑ Schnell, Mychael (July 5, 2021). "Fauci: More than 99% of people who died from COVID-19 in June were not vaccinated". The Hill. Retrieved 2021-07-09.
- ↑ "Almost all new COVID-19 cases are among people who have not been vaccinated". CBS News. July 10, 2021. Retrieved 2021-07-10.
