Q: Can I email my instructor my work? 

A: No. I manage multiple courses each semester, so all work must be submitted via Canvas or GoReact as indicated to ensure nothing gets lost.

Q: I messaged my instructor but didn't get a reply. Why? 

A: Did you use Canvas messaging or email? Students must email me via their CLC email address for the most efficient communication.

Q: My speech is under five minutes. Will it still count? 

A: No, speeches under five minutes do not meet the IAI requirements for timing and substance and will automatically fail.

Q: I couldn't gather an audience to submit my speech on time. Can I submit it late? 

A: No, this issue is a failure of planning and does not qualify as an extenuating circumstance. Plan your audience ahead of time to meet the due dates (which are available prior to the start of class).

Q: One of my audience members' internet failed, and they dropped from the recording halfway through the speech. Will my speech still count? 

A: Unfortunately, no. All six audience members must be present for the entire speech. If an audience member drops, you must rerecord the speech.

Professionalism

You are a student, but you are also an adult, and I will always treat you with the respect you deserve.

Reasonable Expectations

I am not your best friend or your babysitter. I am here to teach, and you are here to learn. Expect to be challenged appropriately, because I know you can rise to the challenge. Every student in this course deserves to be here, and my goal is to prepare you for the real world and ensure you excel in the future. I understand that life can be unpredictable, and I strive to work with each student, especially when unforeseen circumstances arise.

Fairness

I am committed to being fair, equitable, and unbiased in my approach. All students will be treated equally and given the same opportunities. The expectations are clear and apply to everyone, ensuring that the grade you receive is the one you’ve earned. The standards are clearly outlined throughout this syllabus and in the welcome video.

Organization

I strive to be organized and provide all relevant content upfront. Whenever possible, I include written and video explanations of assignments designed to reinforce each other and provide clarity. Course outcomes and learning objectives are also included with each assignment/module. Students should feel confident that their time will be used effectively and that every aspect of the course design is intentional and well thought out.

Responsiveness

Questions, comments, and interactions are encouraged both in and out of the classroom. I am invested in my students and will provide timely feedback and constructive criticism so each student has the opportunity to grow and improve throughout the semester.

Students are encouraged to utilize Student Success Hours anytime they need personal access to me. Between 8:30 AM and 10:00 PM, I strive to respond to communication quickly and will always do so within 24 hours. If you do not receive a response, assume technology failed and resubmit your communication, as I likely didn't receive it.

Professionalism

You are a student, but also an adult, and I expect you to always treat your classmates and me with the respect we all deserve. You have chosen to come to college and signed up for this course, so I also expect you to act as a free and independent adult.

Reasonable Expectations

Students are expected to thoroughly review this liquid syllabus and reference it often. Read instructions carefully and complete assignments according to those instructions. Act with academic integrity by doing your own work. Manage your time effectively and engage with the material, rising to the challenges presented. Clear rubrics are provided; use them as a guide when completing assignments. If draft feedback is given, revise your work accordingly—this shows respect for both the instructor's time and your own learning.

Fairness

Approach this course fairly and equitably, treating all classmates with respect and consideration. Remember to treat me with fairness as well and keep your expectations realistic—professors are human too. Understand that the IAI requirements are state mandates; I have no control over them but must enforce them.

Openness & Critical Thinking

Respect the course design and be open to learning. Even if you have encountered a concept before, it doesn’t mean you’ve learned everything about it. Understand that every aspect of the course design is intentional and well thought out. Engage in critical thinking and question everything.

Organization

Be organized and keep track of all relevant content and deadlines. Take advantage of the written and video explanations of assignments to reinforce your understanding. Pay attention to course outcomes and learning objectives included with each assignment/module. Follow rubrics closely. Use your time effectively. Complete assignments in the recommended sequence. They are structured to build on each other progressively. 

Responsiveness

Respond to email inquiries or comments on work in Canvas in a timely fashion. Read class announcements when sent and stay engaged with the course communication.

Resourcefulness

Seek out solutions and answers to problems and questions. 

Shift from passive mode to active mode. Take initiative and responsibility for your own education. Other instructors and I are here to help you, but only you can develop the disciplines of study, critical thinking and reflection. To develop the skills of critical thinking one must initiate three forms of mental activity and learn to: analyze, criticize, synthesize. 

• Analyze: Consider the arguments the speaker or writer uses and the assumptions underlying them. Evaluate whether the arguments are logically valid and identify any emotional appeals made. Determine what the communicator is trying to convey and what information might be missing that is necessary for full understanding.

• Criticize: This term means to evaluate carefully, not to reject or demean. Assess the truthfulness of the assumptions and distinguish between claimed facts and beliefs. Reflect on your own perspective, questioning why you think something is true or false, and consider the accuracy of your own assumptions and motives.

• Synthesize: Combine the information and insights to understand their implications. Reflect on what you have learned from the communication and how it connects to other knowledge you possess. Identify new insights gained from this synthesis and consider its relevance to your life, as well as any further exploration needed.

One basic rule to follow is to question everything - even what your instructor says. In doing so, you can form opinions that are your own, and as a result, you will have reasons behind your opinions. Always seek the truth and submit to it.