Course Policies

Our classroom will be a learning experience for all of us (including me!). We will be sharing our learning and writing, and it is important for everyone to know that they are welcome and valued in this community. I am eager to hear your views, and to learn from your perspectives and experiences. I also want everyone to feel free and safe in their communications. To ensure that we all work together successfully, below are some course policies.

Attendance & Participation 🙋🏽🙋🏿‍♀️🙋🏼‍♂️🙋🏻‍♀️🙋🏾‍♂️

Your presence in class is super important, not only for your success, but also for the success of your peers! We all build on each other’s knowledge, and because of this, consistent attendance is one of the most effective ways to ensure your desired course grade.

Generally, in accordance with SWC policy, a student will be dropped from the course if they miss the first week of class, or after 4 absences (missing 12 hours of class total) throughout the semester. If you exceed 4 absences/12 missed hours before the withdrawal deadline (April 26th), you may be dropped from the course. However, if you choose to drop the course yourself, you will need to do so officially through WebAdvisor.

If you are considering dropping the course, please talk to me first! I'm here to help you and work with you to make sure you succeed in this class!

Canvas & Course Resources 📔📑🎒

All readings, Exercises, Projects, handouts, and resources for the course will be posted on the class Canvas site. Furthermore, all Project submissions will be made via Canvas (hard copies can be accepted depending on circumstances). You can also use the Canvas Inbox to get in touch with me. If you are absent or unclear on an Exercise or Project, you can check Canvas to see what you missed. There is a Canvas app available for download, which you can use to send messages and check course updates on your smartphone.

You can check your progress (“grades”) in the class on Canvas, as these will be updated on a regular basis. However, please remember that, given our contract system for grading, your assignments will not be graded or scored through points or percentages. They will be marked with credit (1 point) if completed according to the prompt guidelines, or no credit (0 points) if they are not completed at all, or if they fail to meet substantial aspects of the guidelines (such as addressing the prompt, meeting the word count, etc.). Please note that Projects can be made up; you can revise and resubmit until you get full credit.

Late Work 🕛 💻 📝

Exercises and Projects should be completed by the set due dates so that you can receive timely feedback and stay on track with the course. If you encounter difficulties meeting a due date, be sure to communicate with me (via email, Canvas Inbox, office hours, Zoom, etc.) so that we can work together on a plan for your success. Your needs can be accommodated if there's communication!

Academic Integrity 📚 📓 🔖

Academic dishonesty by a student provides grounds for disciplinary action by the instructor or college. In written work, no material may be copied from another source without proper quotation marks, footnotes, or appropriate documentation. Plagiarism may result in a grade of D or lower in the course, as well as in disciplinary action with the college. Staying in this class indicates your acceptance of this policy.

Now, this doesn’t need to be a problem for you! Let me help you avoid plagiarism and make the most of your participation in this class. If you’re concerned about potential plagiarism in your work, or if you aren’t sure how to credit your sources, please speak with me first. I will gladly help you manage this!

Classroom Conduct

In addition to being on time and prepared for class, please remove sunglasses and headphones, and silence your electronic devices. Out of respect for your classmates and instructor, audio/video recordings of the class are not permitted. Please speak with me if you need audio accommodations for DSS. Also, small snacks and beverages with lids are allowed, but please do not bring large, messy meals, as they can be distracting!

Since our class is a space in which we'll share and explore perspectives, please remember to discuss ideas, not people. In other words, do not attack a classmate for expressing their opinion; instead, discuss your position on the ideas that have been presented. In doing so, please be kind, understanding, and respectful with your classmates, and with me, to keep our environment positive and productive.

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