First Things First

Let’s just lay this on the table, there is a global pandemic and it’s not over! None of us is really OK. If you tell me you’re having trouble, I’m not going to judge you or think less of you. I hope you’ll extend me the same grace. So let’s set some ground rules:

• You never owe me personal information about your health (mental or physical) or the health of your family members.

• You are always welcome to talk to me about things that you’re going through.

• If I can’t help you, I usually know someone who can.

• If you need extra help, or you need to miss class, or you need more time with something, just ask. I’ll work with you, promise.

Specifications Grading

This course will be graded using a system called specifications grading. That is, each grade has a “specified” number of things you must do to earn it. Below you will find a visualization that details the specifications for each grade (you can also find a written description by scrolling down). To help you track your progress I have provided this CORE101 Progress Tracker (found below) which we will be discussing on the first day of class:

Grading Categories in Image Format

Anything less than the work specified in the D grade status will result in the student failing the course.

CORE101 Progress Tracker

Grading Categories in Text Format

To earn an A grade (A- or A)

• Participate in three 5th hour activities, one from each of the categories detailed below and complete an “And, But, Therefore” statement for each.

• Be an engaged member of the classroom community as detailed below.

• Earn an average of 90% or higher on the two “Advanced Writing Assignments” AND

  • Attend 2 writing conferences (one per assignment) AND Attend 1 Writing Center appointment

• Earn an average of 85% or higher on the “Foundational Writing Assignments” #1-4 AND

  • Complete revision of #1 + 2 additional revisions (A);

  • Complete revision of #1 + 1 additional revisions (A-).

  • Please note that the average above will be based on the FINAL assignment grade, AFTER any revisions have been scored.

To earn an B grade (B-, B, or B+)

• Participate in three 5th hour activities, one from each of the categories detailed below and complete an “And, But, Therefore” statement for each.

• Be an engaged member of the classroom community as detailed below.

• Earn an average of 80% or higher on the two “Advanced Writing Assignments” AND

  • Attend 1 writing conference and 1 Writing Center appointment.

• Earn an average of 75% or higher on the “Foundational Writing Assignments” #1-4 AND

  • Complete revision of #1 + 2 additional revisions (B+);

  • Complete revision of #1 + 1 additional revisions (B);

  • Complete revision of #1 (B-).

  • Please note that the average above will be based on the FINAL assignment grade, AFTER any revisions have been scored.

To earn an C grade (C-, C, or C+)

• Participate in three 5th hour activities, one from each of the categories detailed below and complete an “And, But, Therefore” statement for each.

• Be an engaged member of the classroom community as detailed below.

• Earn an average of 65% or higher on the “Foundational Writing Assignments” #1-4 AND

  • Complete revision of #1 + 2 additional revisions (C+);

  • Complete revision of #1 + 1 additional revisions (C);

  • Complete revision of #1 (C-).

  • Please note that the average above will be based on the FINAL assignment grade, AFTER any revisions have been scored.

• Earn an average of 70% or higher on the two “Advanced Writing Assignments” AND

  • Attend 1 Writing Center appointment.

To earn an D grade (D or D+)

• Participate in three 5th hour activities, one from each of the categories detailed below and complete an “And, But, Therefore” statement for each.

• Be an engaged member of the classroom community as detailed below.

• Earn an average of 60% or higher on the “Foundational Writing Assignments” #1-4 AND

  • Complete revision of #1 (D+);

  • Complete 0 revisions (D).

  • Please note that the average above will be based on the FINAL assignment grade, AFTER any revisions have been scored.

• Earn an average of 60% or higher on the two “Advanced Writing Assignments” AND

  • Attend 1 Writing Center appointment.

Anything less than the work specified in the D grade status will result in the student failing the course.