ComS 5 The
Communication Experience
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ABOUT COURSE POLICIES:
How should I behave in class?
For
this course to be useful to all, it is important to keep in mind the necessity
to protect the self image of all members of our class/community. Communication competence, I define, in part,
as sensitivity to the personhood of every individual. I intend to treat each student with respect,
dignity, and civility, and I assume I and your classmates will receive the same
treatment from you.
Can I use my laptop in class?
If
you wish to bring a laptop, please keep it closed until there is “tops up” time
for writing a few notes to yourself or there is a need to do some research
online. I find it hard to connect with students who are focused on a laptop
display; some students find the key clicks and monitor images distracting as
well.
If
you have a disability verified by the Services to Students With
Disabilities (SSWD) office and you wish to discuss academic accommodations
relative to laptop use in class, please talk with me immediately.
If I see you gaming, emailing, IMing, surfing the web or otherwise playing with your
laptop during "tops up" time, I will dismiss you from the class.
What about cell phones?
Using
cell phones is not permitted during class; these devices must be off for the
duration of class sessions. Texting or websurfing indicate users devalue what is happening in the
classroom. This is a first and last warning. If I see you texting,
tweeting, gaming, surfing the web or otherwise playing with your phone, I will
dismiss you from the class.
Can I record the class?
No. No recording of the class is permitted apart
from a request from Services to Students with Disabilitites
(SSWD).
How often do I have to come to
class?
Plan
to attend every class session for the duration of each session. Prompt and
regular attendance is essential for you and your colleagues to learn as much a
possible here and enjoy the task. I
develop significant knowledge and skills objectives for each class period and I
expect you will take advantage of the opportunity for learning provided by each
class session.
If
you experience illness or some emergency, you may miss a maximum of three class
sessions during the semester. After
three absences, your final grade will be dropped a minimum of one grade (e.g. C
to D) for each day beyond three. The responsibility for attendance is entirely
yours since I assume you will make sensible choices that are best for you and
your colleagues and me. Therefore, if
you miss a class period in which I choose to collect an assignment and you are
not there, you will assume responsibility for a zero recorded for that day's
assignment.
You
will also take responsibility to work out something with your classmates for a
tutorial regarding the class content, and notes.
Can I make up quizzes if I miss
one?
No.
Can I turn in assignments late?
No.
All assignments are due at class time on the date announced or assigned. Plan ahead—printer glitches, long lines in
labs, etc. won't persuade me to change the policy for you.
What if I think I was not fairly graded
on an assignment?
I
will not discuss any grades for any assignment on the day I hand it back to
you, nor will I discuss individual grades in the classroom. All such discussions will take place in my
office at least one day after the grade has been received. If you wish to
contest a grade, write out your argument clearly, concisely and completely and
bring it with you to the meeting.
Do I have to type assignments?
Every
assignment listed in the course syllabus must be typed or I will not accept it.
The only assignments that may be handwritten are: homework assignments I pass
out in class (data collections, activities to be completed between class
sessions, etc).
What happens if I cheat on an
assignment?
I
follow the departmental policy on plagiarism.
Cheating on any assignment will result in an "F" on the
assignment and I will report the incident to the Dean of Students for further
possible action. If you not know what plagiarism is, go to <http://library.csus.edu/plagiarism>
for an explanation. In short, plagiarism is acting as if someone else's words
or ideas are yours. To avoid a charge of
plagiarism, simple give credit for words or ideas to the authors.
What
if I want to drop the course?
I follow the departmental policy on
dropping. Be sure you drop by the end of
the second week if you are at all inclined to do so because I will NOT let you
drop after that unless you can provide a substantial argument that I find
compelling. I will require documentation
of extenuating circumstances to drop after week two. Make your decision early if you are shopping.
What if I want to take an incomplete
(I) for the course?
I
will not assign an “incomplete” unless the requirements and conditions
stipulated by the university are met.
“Incomplete” is not routinely assigned if you are slow in getting your
work done; if you have not been responsible in managing your time, or if you
are achieving a low grade. As is the
case with dropping the course, you must present me with substantial and
compelling documentation that persuades me that your case meets the
requirements for assignment of incomplete.
You must also present to me, at the same time, a clear and coherent plan
and time line for completion of the course, then we’ll
negotiate the final version of the plan.
What about furlough days?
Due
to drastic cuts in the