Classroom Etiquette

Course Communication Guidelines

The following guide will assist you in communicating with members of this course and outlines course specific communication standards.

• Students are expected to respond to faculty or classmates’ e-mail, announcements, and other modes of communication within 24 hours (unless otherwise stated). Be sure to check the Announcements in D2L Brightspace each time you log into the class.

• If a student has questions regarding the content of this course, the student should first check the Course Lobby Student Q&A discussion forum to see if their question has been answered. If not, they can post their question anonymously to the forum for a timely response. If the question is about accommodation or grades, the student should email the instructor. 

• If a student has questions about D2L Brightspace, Google Docs, or other technology related questions, they should contact the Student Help Desk.

• In the event of an emergency, the student should email their instructor. 

• The college has an expectation that all communication between instructor and student will be professional and appropriate at all times and that both parties will practice constructive communication behaviors that serve to improve the learning experience and constructively resolve disagreements or misunderstandings. Communication behaviors that involve inappropriate language, yelling, threats, interruptions, or other behaviors which are abusive and destructive to the communication process are inappropriate and the instructor will not respond to that type of communication.

Best Way to Contact Your Instructor

Text is the quickest way to reach me. Text your name plus "AD 101" to 360.334.2626.

You can also communicate by using the D2L Brightspace e-mail system which can be accessed from the Classlist. You can use it to send an e-mail to your instructor and/or classmates.

You must include a relevant subject in the "Subject:" or "RE:" section of your e-mail. The subject must include the class you are taking, your name, and the topic of your message.

If your question or comment would be of interest to other students, please post it in the Discussions area. This way other participants can help answer questions, and all participants will benefit from the answers. Please refer to the information in How to Use D2L Brightspace in the Support & Resources module for guidelines governing the content of written communications.

Response from Instructor

Text your name plus “AD 101” to 360.334.2626. Text and emails sent on weekdays will be answered within 24 hours. Text and emails sent over the weekend or holiday will be answered the following scheduled school day. 

ZOOM ETIQUETTE

Here are some tips to effectively engage in your remote classes:

• Show-up ready to learn. Sign in on time and don’t leave early. Be courteous and respectful toward everyone in the remote classroom (instructors, classmates, guest speakers, etc.). Don’t swear or use other offensive language. Wear clothes you would normally wear in an in-person classroom.

• Be an active participant. Listen to the speaker and engage in the chat. Ask questions when you need clarification.
  Reduce distractions and avoid multitasking. Put away or silence your phone and close extra windows on your computer. Keep your workspace tidy and clutter-free. Share your remote class schedule with the people you share space with so they know not to interrupt.

• Remain muted whenever you aren’t speaking. Be conscious of your background noise any time your microphone is on.
  Turn your camera on as often as you are able. Most instructors do not require students to use their webcam. However, it is recommended to help your instructor and other classmates feel more connected and engaged.

• Consider using a headset with a microphone. This can reduce echo for your instructor and classmates any time you unmute. Using headphones can also lessen background noise for anyone you may share a physical space with.

• Be mindful of what you’re doing on camera and typing in chat. Remember that people can see you! If your instructor records lectures, your video and chat messages may be recorded, too.

• Plan to be at home or in another physical location suited for learning. Don’t attend a remote class in a busy public location or while driving/commuting.

Most importantly is creating a safe space to have and exceptional learning experience by all!

Advising Hours

I am available to meet with students by appointment only. Please call or e-mail in advance to make an appointment and indicate whether you would prefer a phone or zoom meeting. Please be advised that e-mail responses may take up to 48 hours.  Texts and e-mails sent on weekdays will be answered within 24 hours. Texts and emails sent over the weekend or holiday will be answered the following scheduled school day.

Electronic Devices

When in the classroom, please turn off all electronic devices except for recording devices or laptops used for note taking (not for checking e-mail, surfing the web, checking social media, etc.). Music, headphones, phones, texts, etc. are not allowed. In the event the student violates this policy the instructor may elect to reduce their point total by the equivalent of one half of a letter grade. Repeated violations of this policy can result in the student’s removal from the classroom and PCC disciplinary protocols.

The PCC Library

The PCC Library is available 24/7 to assist you with finding, evaluating, and citing relevant research for your courses. Please see the Resource Page for more details.