COURSE POLICIES:
Grades
Attendance
Class presentations
Due dates
Grade of incomplete
Plagiarism
Dropping the course
Laptop use
Cell phone use

Grades

I will not discuss any grade for any assignment on the day I it hand back to you. I've found it is helpful if you take the feedback, look it over, consider it in light of the relevant rubric before initiating a discussion that can become tense. If you wish to discuss a grade, just call or visit me in office hours or make an appointment.  I you wish to contest a grade, I'd like you to write out your argument clearly, concisely and completely and bring it with you to the meeting.
 
Attendance

With a performance-based course, it is essential that scheduled speakers attend when they are scheduled to speak and that they have an audience. As a community of learners, we are responsible to each other to come prepared and contribute ideas to the class discussions.  I assume everyone has a commitment to coming to every class session.  However, as adults, sometimes emergencies occur and our presence is required elsewhere. My experience has been that such circumstances rarely happen more than once a semester.  If you miss more than once, we will discuss the situation.
 
Class presentations

 Due to the lack of free time in the class schedule, it will not be possible to make up missed presentations. Plan on doing your presentation even if you are not feeling well. In a case like that, you can do your presentation early in the session and will be excused to go home. If your doctor orders you to stay at home and consequently you miss your presentation, you will be excused, of course.  If your doctor orders you to stay home, please let me know prior to class, if possible.

Due dates

All assignments are due at class time on the date announced.  As responsible adults, I assume you will make a commitment to meeting assignment due dates. If you are prevented from meeting the date, I'd like to discuss the situation with you.
 
Grade of “incomplete”

I don't assign a grade of incomplete unless the requirements and conditions stipulated by the university for that grade are met. If you believe you qualify for an incomplete, I'll be happy to hear your case. That proposal will serve as a starting point from which we will negotiate a jointly satisfactory plan for completing the course. http://aaweb.csus.edu/catalog/current/First%20100%20Pages/GRADE.asp#incomplete

Plagiarism

I will follow the departmental policy on plagiarism. Never give into the temptation. If you face a situation that tempts you to do so (overloaded; dealing with problems that are overwhelming, etc.) please talk to me so we can find a legitimate solution. 

Dropping the course

I will follow the departmental policy on dropping; that is, you may drop without permission, until the second week. 

Laptop use
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.

Cell phone use
Please turn off your cell phones while class is in session. If you must be available for a call or expect to receive a text message, please put your phone on vibrate and sit near the classroom door so you can discretely exit and take your call or text. I expect this will be a rare event.