Overview

Here is my general philosophy on your and my roles in the classroom: It is a privilege to attend an institution of higher learning and I’m assuming you have made the mature decision to be here.

My job is to do my very best to help you learn and reach your academic goals.

Your job is to be an effective student which means attending class, being actively engaged in class, and balancing the demands of this class with your personal and work life.

Behavior Guidelines

So what are unacceptable behaviors in a college classroom? Think about what gets in the way of being an effective student or teacher…If you are engaged in disrespectful or disruptive behavior, you will be asked to leave.

1. Tardiness/Leaving Early. Plan to come to class a few minutes early. Do come in late rather than not at all but enter the room as quietly and unobtrusively as possible; do not walk in front of the instructor once lecture has begun. If you must leave early, please let the instructor know beforehand and sit near the door so you can leave with minimal disturbance.

2. Talking / Not Paying Attention in Class / Texting. Don’t do it! Class is not the time to catch-up with your buddies, work on other things, or listen to music. You are a busy person so why not choose to maximize your learning while you are here?! If you don’t want to pay attention, that is your decision but please leave and avoid disrupting valuable time for myself and other students who are there to learn.

3. Ringing Cell Phones: Please turn off all cell phones during class or set them on a non-ring setting.  

4. Poor Etiquette During Class Discussions: I dearly love a heated, well-thought out discussion about course topics (even when someone really disagrees with me!); this is often when the most learning occurs. However, it is important that everyone listens respectfully to different points of view. Do not start talking over someone else or belittle them for an opinion. Do make sure your ideas are documented and ask questions wherever the evidence seems weak. Give each contributor the respect you would like to have in return. Learning to have a fruitful discussion with a diverse group is an important skill but one that takes practice so make sure you think before you speak.

• To keep all of us safe and make sure we have a healthy learning environment:

• No food or drink inside the lab.

• Shoes must always be worn at all times.

• Always carry microscopes with two hands and return the microscope to its cabinet in the same condition (or better) than you found it.

• Please handle all specimens carefully and follow my instructions closely.

• If you are unsure of how to do a particular procedure, don’t guess - stop and ask me what to do.

• If you break or damage lab equipment or a specimen, please let me know immediately.

• If you have an allergy or sensitivity to any material used in the lab, please let me know so I can make alternate arrangements.

Please complete the two lab safety related assignments on Canvas so we have an emergency contact and a signed liability form: 1) Lab Safety Packet and Acknowledgement and 2) Lab Waiver Form.

Finally, please be respectful of your fellow students. It sometimes gets crowded around one station or you may have to wait to look at a demonstration, so be patient and enjoy working with your fellow classmates.